Bumblingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a fashion that illustrates both confusion and a lack of coordination while attempting to perform a task
2. In a way that shows awkwardness and uncertainty during an action
3. Characterized by moving or acting with frequent mistakes and hesitation

Etymology: "Bumblingly" is a plain formation: the adjective "bumbling" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added. "Bumbling" is itself built from "bumble," a verb meaning to act or move in a clumsy, fumbling way, and it describes someone who blunders about without grace or care. The suffix has the longer history. It descends from a Proto-Germanic element, "-līkaz," which meant something like "having the form or appearance of," and it passed through Old English as "-līċe" before wearing down to the "-ly" we use today. The same ending turns "quick" into "quickly" and "friendly" into "friendly-minded" in adjective form, so the suffix carries an old sense of resemblance or manner. Because "bumble" was already in common use by the time English speakers needed a manner adverb, "bumblingly" needed no special coinage. It simply describes an action done in the bumbling manner, with the clumsiness and blundering that the adjective already carries.

Synonyms: clumsily, awkwardly, ineptly

Antonyms: gracefully, smoothly