faintheartedly
1
7.7
- adverb
- /ˈfeɪntˌhɑːrtɪdli/
- She faintheartedly agreed to the proposal.
Examples
-
He faintheartedly raised his hand to volunteer for the project.
-
He faintheartedly backed away from the challenge.
-
The team faintheartedly attempted to challenge the reigning champions.
-
She faintheartedly voiced her concerns during the meeting.
-
She faintheartedly backed away from the challenge instead of facing it head-on.
-
The team faintheartedly abandoned their plans after hearing about the tough competition.
-
He faintheartedly agreed to the suggestion, uncertain about the consequences.
Synonyms
10
3.2
In a slow, unsure way because of doubt
5
3.2
Move or speak in a shy, nervous way because of low confidence
1
8.4
In a very frightened way that shows no courage
1
7.4
In a slow, unsure way that shows little confidence
1
8.2
To act in a shy and scared way
1
8.2
In a way that shows no courage and avoids standing up for oneself
1
7.5
With an unsteady, unsure voice or movement that shows doubt
1
9.9
Acting in a scared way and avoiding conflict
1
8.6
In a trembling voice because of fear or strong feeling
1
8.5
In a weak, quiet way that shows little confidence
Antonyms
How Brave
Surface Forms
Morphology
faintheartedly = fainthearted (transparent) = faint + heart + ed + ly
The adjective 'fainthearted' (faint + -hearted) clearly means lacking courage; adding the productive suffix '-ly' forms the adverb with the expected meaning.
Etymology
Faintheartedly combines faint ('weak' or 'not strong') and heart ('courage' or 'bravery'), creating the image of a weak or small heart. So, to act faintheartedly is to do something in a timid, not confident way.