skittishly
1
7.0
- adverb
- /ˈskɪtɪʃli/
:
nerviosamente
- The rabbit darted skittishly when it heard a loud noise.
Examples
-
From what I understand, being skittish is being nervous, but unfortunately, the more you tell someone they are acting skittishly, the more nervous they can become in trying to overcome it.
Blog text (23) -
Her horse was nervous, tossing its head and jumping skittishly from side to side, showing every sign it wanted to bolt as well.
Fiction book (2002) -
Gisela swings her head skittishly.
Fiction book (2001) -
"My eyes darted skittishly around the noisy, crowded room.
Fiction book (1997) -
" Also, Mrs. Ravert wrestles skittishly with many small but manageable worries, a good sign in a good mother.
Fiction book (1990) -
Nathan recoils slightly, skittishly half-points to his bared teeth.
Fiction book (2001) -
She skittishly adjusted her dress before stepping onto the stage.
-
The cat moved skittishly around the unfamiliar room, unsure of what to do next.
Synonyms
87
2.3
Shows worry or fear in the way someone acts
15
1.0
Behave in a quiet, nervous way around other people
14
3.2
In a slow, unsure way because of doubt
8
3.4
Showing that you are afraid
7
3.2
Move or speak in a shy, nervous way because of low confidence
2
6.0
In a worried way because you think something bad may happen
1
8.1
To speak or move in a shaky, nervous way
1
8.2
To act in a shy and scared way
1
7.4
In a slow, unsure way that shows little confidence
1
6.1
In a slow, unsure way that shows doubt
In a nervous, easily startled way with sudden jerks
In a way that shows discomfort or nervousness by moving restlessly
To do something in a nervous or afraid way
In a way that shows fear, for example by looking worried or speaking softly
In a nervous way that shows little confidence
Antonyms
How Nervous
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Skittishly comes from the same idea as skitter, which means 'to move quickly and lightly'. A helpful way to remember it is to imagine a nervous horse or small animal that suddenly jumps and runs away; to move skittishly is to act jumpy, nervous and hard to predict.