halfheartedly
3
4.8
- adverb
- /ˌhæfˈhɑːrtɪdli/
- The team halfheartedly practiced for the game, not fully committed to their training.
- only halfheartedly
Examples
-
Torrance returned the gesture halfheartedly, then stepped into his glass-enclosed office.
Fiction book (1999) -
MacGregor tried, halfheartedly, to glare at him in return.
Fiction book (1993) -
From time to time, he was halfheartedly sought for trial, though few crimes seemed to lead directly to his door.
Fiction book (1990) -
But after Greg's commitment, we realized we could not do this halfheartedly.
Academic text (2007) -
U.S. units that only halfheartedly work with their Afghan counterparts become blind to their surroundings.
Academic text (2012) -
I have something resembling a career, halfheartedly modeling and doing television commercials.
Fiction book (1999) -
Catherine halfheartedly nods, but her mind is elsewhere, focused on the two apparatuses.
Fiction book (2000) -
The littlest one balled up a fist and lifted it halfheartedly to her mouth.
Fiction book (2001) -
Fuchs was picking halfheartedly at a breakfast of prepackaged eggs and soy meat.
Fiction book (2001) -
Wren listened halfheartedly, more interested in the tale of how the Elves had come to Morrowind.
Fiction book (1992)
Synonyms
18
3.2
With little feeling or energy
4
4.3
In a way that shows little interest or energy
4
4.0
Showing no interest or care
3
6.5
Done only partly and without full effort
3
5.7
In a way that shows little energy or interest
1
7.4
In a way that shows little interest
1
5.6
In a way that shows little interest or energy
1
6.7
Slowly and without energy
1
9.5
In a lazy, careless way with little interest
1
7.6
In a lazy way that avoids work or effort
1
6.7
In a way that shows only mild interest
1
7.8
In a way that shows someone cannot decide clearly
1
6.0
In a way that shows no interest or concern
1
6.7
In a way that shows no energy or interest
Antonyms
How Enthusiastic
61
2.8
36
3.5
3
4.8
1
5.6
1
7.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
halfheartedly = halfhearted (semi-transparent) = half + heart + ed + ly
The adverb is a regular -ly derivative of 'halfhearted'; however 'halfhearted' is a figurative compound ('half' + 'hearted'), so the relation is clear but somewhat metaphorical.
Etymology
The word halfheartedly is made of half ('partly'), heart ('feeling' or 'interest'), and -ly ('in a way'). So, to do something halfheartedly is to do it with only part of your heart, with little real interest or energy.