uneasily

Uneasily is an English adverb that describes performing an action or existing in a manner marked by discomfort, anxiety, or lack of ease. It is often used to convey that someone is not confident or that a situation is unsettled or troubling.

Usage in context is broad. It frequently modifies verbs of movement, perception, or speech, as well as states of mind. For example: “She walked uneasily along the narrow ledge.” “They waited uneasily for the verdict.” “He spoke uneasily, avoiding eye contact.” The word can also contribute to the mood of a scene, as in “The crowd waited uneasily for news.”

Grammatical notes are straightforward for an -ly adverb. Uneasily can appear before the main verb or after auxiliary verbs: “She looked uneasily at the door” or “She looked at the door uneasily.” Its usage emphasizes a sense of hesitation, danger, or emotional tension that accompanies the action or situation.

Etymology and related terms: Uneasily is formed from the adjective uneasy with the common adverb suffix -ly. The base adjective uneasy itself is built from the prefix un- attached to easy, with roots tracing back to older Germanic and Romance sources. Related terms include uneasy and uneasiness; close synonyms such as anxiously, nervously, or hesitantly; and antonyms like confidently or easily.