unenthusiastically
1
5.6
- adverb
- /ˌʌnɪnˈθjuːziˌæstɪkli/
- She nodded unenthusiastically when asked if she wanted to join the party.
- said unenthusiastically
Examples
-
Tom accepted the award unenthusiastically, barely smiling as he walked to the stage.
-
She reeled unenthusiastically and said, "I think it's a fish," and the fisherman, a bit incredulous, came over to look, but actually, coming out of the water, were two foot-long red fish with geromi-like mouths that had been their undoing.
Fiction book (1999) -
Harry is walking down the highway, his thumb stuck out unenthusiastically.
Fiction book (1994) -
"We're already in a lot of trouble," said Penelope, picking unenthusiastically at her food.
Fiction book (1991) -
The Lokhars had detached a panel and were unenthusiastically discussing the damage.
Fiction book (1993) -
Thus, I approached the task of reviewing previous columns to update and highlight them unenthusiastically.
Academic text (2002) -
"I'll pick it up." Tanner unenthusiastically scooted his chair to one side.
Fiction book (1990) -
"I guess," Joe answered unenthusiastically, knowing the old man didn't understand that his job wasn't the noble pursuit he thought it would be.
Fiction book (1998) -
Without such simplicity, he fears, the complex synthesis taking place here will be greeted unenthusiastically by a future public that can't understand it.
Academic text (2007) -
"But you're welcome to have a look around," he added unenthusiastically, peering up at Connery from beneath the brim of his hat.
Fiction book (1997)
Synonyms
4
5.2
In a calm way that shows no strong feeling or interest
4
4.0
Showing no interest or care
3
6.8
In a way that shows no feeling or reaction
3
5.7
In a way that shows little energy or interest
3
4.8
In a way that shows little interest or energy
2
4.8
In a blank way that shows no interest or thought
1
5.0
In a calm way that does not show feelings
1
7.8
In a way that shows no real joy or amusement
1
7.3
In a way that shows no interest or energy
1
7.4
In a sad way that shows no hope
1
7.0
In a way that shows no worry or interest
1
6.7
In a way that shows only mild interest
1
5.9
In a plain, quiet way that is not exciting
1
6.9
Without showing any feeling
1
5.3
In a boring way that does not keep people's attention
1
6.5
In a slow, tired way showing little energy
1
6.0
In a way that shows no interest or concern
1
6.7
In a way that shows no energy or interest
In a dull way that does not interest people
Antonyms
How Enthusiastic
Surface Forms
Morphology
unenthusiastically = unenthusiastic (transparent) = un + enthusiast + ic + ally
The adverb is formed by adding a regular adverbial ending to 'unenthusiastic' (itself transparently 'un-' + 'enthusiastic'), so the formation and meaning follow standard English rules.
Etymology
Unenthusiastically is made from un- meaning 'not', enthusiastic meaning 'full of excitement', and the ending -ally which turns it into a word that shows how something is done. So, to do something unenthusiastically is to do it 'not in an excited way', often with little interest.