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unmanfully

unmanfully

1 9.9
In a way that shows fear or weakness when courage is needed
  • adverb
  • /ʌnˈmænfəlɪ/
  • Slur
: afeminadamente
  • She criticized him for speaking unmanfully instead of with confidence.

Examples

  • He retreated unmanfully in the face of danger, abandoning his friends.

  • The knight, accused of acting unmanfully, hung his head in shame.

  • He acted unmanfully when he refused to confront the bully.

  • To give up so easily is to behave unmanfully.

  • He unmanfully backed down from the challenge instead of confronting his fears.

  • After much hesitation, he unmanfully gave in to pressure from his friends.

  • She looked at him unmanfully, revealing his lack of confidence in the situation.

Synonyms

ungallantly
vsunmanfully
1 9.1

In a way that is not polite or helpful to others

focuses on missing inner strength, courage, and determination rather than manners
unassertively
vsunmanfully
1 7.3

In a quiet way that shows little confidence or desire to speak up

refers to lacking firm strength, courage, or resolve rather than mere timidity
unchivalrously
vsunmanfully
9.3

Acts rudely toward women, showing no polite or brave behavior

is about lacking broad traditional strength, courage, and determination rather than social courtesy

Antonyms

14 3.8

In a brave way

manfully
  • Archaic
2 6.8

Act bravely and steadily when facing difficulty

How Manly

heroically
16 4.9
manfully
  • Archaic
2 6.8
bravely
47 1.7
unmanfully
  • Slur
1 9.9
timidly
5 3.2
cowardly
81 3.9

Surface Forms

unmanfully positive

Morphology

unmanfully = unmanful (transparent) = un + man + ful + ly

Formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'unmanful', a regular and semantically transparent process.

Etymology

The word unmanfully is made from the parts un- meaning 'not' and man meaning 'a male or person', and it links to the simple word manly. So, to act unmanfully means to behave in a way that is 'not' brave, strong, or determined, which is the opposite of 'manly'.