Grumblingly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that conveys subtle discontent or dissatisfaction, often through a muted tone or murmured complaints
2. Performed with a hint of annoyance and reluctance, suggesting a sullen attitude towards a situation
3. In a manner that reveals dissatisfaction or annoyance, characterized by low murmurs or muted expressions of discontent

Etymology: "Grumblingly" is simply "grumbling" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. "Grumbling" is the present participle and gerund of "grumble", so the adverb describes doing something in the manner of a person who is muttering complaints under the breath. The suffix does the work of turning a verbal action into a description of how that action is carried out, so "he answered grumblingly" means he answered while muttering his discontent. Because the suffix is ordinary and the base is an everyday verb, the word carries no separate history of its own. Its meaning follows directly from "grumble", which is a word of imitative origin for the low, rumbling sound of discontent, and the adverb simply inherits that sense.

Synonyms: complainingly, murmuringly, grumpily, discontentedly, sullenly

Antonyms: cheerfully, happily, contentedly, joyfully, satisfactorily