Painfully

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈpeɪnfəli/

Definitions

1. In a way that results in notable anguish or difficulty
2. In a manner that evokes strong feelings of distress or trouble
3. Experiencing significant suffering or discomfort ; done with considerable struggle or challenge

Etymology: "Painfully" is about as plain as English adverbs get: the adjective "painful" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" attached. The adjective came into Middle English as "peinful" and "paynful," and the adverb followed the same path, appearing as "peinfully" and "paynefully" with the same sense of causing distress that it carries today. The word's meaning has stayed close to its roots. "Pain" itself came into English from Old French "peine," which traces back to Latin "poena," meaning punishment or penalty, so the original idea of suffering was tied closely to being punished. The adverb simply describes doing something in a way that brings that kind of hurt or difficulty about.

Synonyms: agonizingly, sorrowfully

Antonyms: comfortably, easily