skittishly
1
7.0
- adverb
- /ˈskɪtɪʃli/
- 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
53
2.3
Shows worry or fear in the way someone acts
11
1.0
Behave in a quiet, nervous way around other people
10
3.2
In a slow, unsure way because of doubt
6
3.4
Showing that you are afraid
5
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
6.1
In a slow, unsure way that shows doubt
1
7.4
In a slow, unsure way that shows little confidence
1
5.0
In a nervous way that shows little confidence
1
8.2
To act in a shy and scared way
1
7.2
In a nervous, easily startled way with sudden jerks
1
6.7
In a way that shows fear, for example by looking worried or speaking softly
1
9.9
To do something in a nervous or afraid way
1
7.4
In a way that shows discomfort or nervousness by moving restlessly
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.