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Glite Dictionary
constrainedly

constrainedly

8.7
In a stiff, unnatural way that shows someone is holding back
  • adverb
  • /kənˈstreɪndədli/
translation icon : forzadamente
  • He smiled constrainedly, unable to hide his discomfort with the situation.

Examples

  • She answered constrainedly, clearly struggling to express her true feelings.

  • The guests chatted constrainedly at the formal dinner, avoiding controversial subjects.

  • She smiled constrainedly during the awkward meeting.

  • He spoke constrainedly, trying to hide his discomfort.

  • She spoke constrainedly during the interview, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite her nerves.

  • His laughter came out constrainedly, revealing his discomfort in the unfamiliar situation.

  • The students responded constrainedly to the teacher's questions, clearly unsure of how to express their thoughts.

Synonyms

rigidly
vsconstrainedly
11 4.3

In a strict way that does not allow change

is stiff from restraint or lack of naturalness rather than total inflexibility

Antonyms

freely
287 1.0

In a way that has no rules or limits

naturally
144 1.8

Because of a person's usual character, not outside influence

How Natural

spontaneously
48 4.4
naturally
114 1.0
awkwardly
38 2.7
stiffly
25 4.4
constrainedly
8.7
robotically
3 6.1

Surface Forms

constrainedly positive

Morphology

constrainedly = constrained (transparent) = constrain + ed + ly

The adverb is formed from the adjective 'constrained' by adding the suffix '-ly', indicating manner.

Etymology

The word constrainedly comes from constrain, which originally meant 'to bind tight', the same idea you see in string or strain where something is pulled tight. So to act constrainedly is to seem 'held back' or not free, making your words or movements feel tight and unnatural.