unaffectionately
1
7.7
- adverb
- /ˌʌnəˈfɛkʃənətli/
- She greeted her brother unaffectionately, barely making eye contact as he entered the room.
Examples
-
He hugged his old friend unaffectionately, showing little emotion during their reunion.
-
The manager spoke unaffectionately to the staff, making the atmosphere tense.
-
She spoke unaffectionately to her dog.
-
He unaffectionately dismissed her concerns.
-
The critics spoke unaffectionately about the film, calling it a failure.
-
She looked at her old jacket unaffectionately, remembering how much she used to love it.
-
He addressed his old friend unaffectionately, recalling their long history of arguments.
Synonyms
17
4.0
In a way that shows little feeling or kindness to other people
4
4.0
Showing no interest or care
3
6.8
In a way that shows no feeling or reaction
1
9.9
In a cold way that shows no care for other people's feelings
1
8.4
Without showing much feeling or reaction
1
5.0
In a calm way that does not show feelings
1
8.0
In a cold, unfriendly way that shows no feeling
1
5.6
In a way that shows little interest or energy
1
7.3
In a way that shows no interest or energy
1
6.8
In a cold, unfriendly way that shows no feeling
1
8.0
In a way that shows little feeling
1
6.6
Not being kind toward a brother or close friend
1
6.6
Without showing care for someone's feelings
1
6.9
Without showing any feeling
1
7.5
In a way that does not show care or kindness
1
7.4
In a way that shows no feeling on the face
1
8.2
Acting in an unfriendly, distant way that avoids people
1
8.4
In a way that shows you do not like something
In a cold, clinical way that shows no feeling
Antonyms
How Affectionate
38
1.0
28
2.6
32
1.0
1
7.7
13
4.3
17
4.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
unaffectionately = unaffectionate (transparent) = un + affection + ate + ly
The adverb is formed by adding '-ly' to 'unaffectionate', which itself is transparently 'un-' + 'affectionate', so the negative adverbial meaning is directly derivable.
Etymology
Unaffectionately is made of un- ('not'), affection ('a feeling of love or fondness') and -ly ('in a way'). So, unaffectionately means 'in a not loving way', which is why it describes acting without warmth or care.