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stiltedly

stiltedly

1 8.8
In a stiff, formal way that does not feel natural
  • adverb
  • /ˈstɪltɪdli/
translation icon : de manera artificial
  • The actors delivered their lines stiltedly, as if they were reading from a script for the first time.

Examples

  • He gave a stiltedly polite response that felt insincere to everyone present.

  • Robert said, "Well?" and Lukas said very stiltedly, as if he had rehearsed it, "We appreciate your goodwill, sir and madam." Then he said he was an assistant manager at Cutprice Hardware, so they could afford more rent than we had suggested.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • During the meeting, she spoke very stiltedly, careful not to show any emotion.

Synonyms

awkwardly
vsstiltedly
38 2.7

In a clumsy or uncomfortable way, often showing nervousness around other people

is also uncomfortable but caused by forced formality rather than clumsiness
stiffly
vsstiltedly
25 4.4

In a way that is not relaxed, often because of pain or to seem formal

is similarly rigid but emphasizes an unnatural, forced quality
clumsily
vsstiltedly
12 2.8

In an awkward way that shows little skill or control

is awkward too but mainly due to rigid, formal manner
ponderously
vsstiltedly
2 7.8

To speak or move slowly and heavily in an awkward, boring way

is faster or sharper but feels stiff and unnaturally formal
pompously
vsstiltedly
1 7.7

In a proud, showy way to seem more important than others

is formal too but lacks the proud, superior attitude
inelegantly
vsstiltedly
1 5.5

In a clumsy way that is not graceful

is formal and stiff rather than merely lacking elegance
woodenly
vsstiltedly
1 7.3

In a stiff, awkward way that shows no feeling

is like that but focuses more on formal unnaturalness
gracelessly
vsstiltedly
1 6.5

In an awkward or clumsy way

is less about plain lack of grace and more about forced formality
ungracefully
vsstiltedly
1 4.8

In an awkward, clumsy way that is not smooth

is similar but caused by unnatural formal stiffness rather than general awkwardness
affectedly
vsstiltedly
8.3

In a false way to seem more important or polite than you feel

is also artificial but more focused on stiff formality
stuffily
vsstiltedly
7.9

In a formal, unfriendly way or in a room without fresh air

is similar but feels more mechanically unnatural and stiff
turgidly
vsstiltedly
  • Formal
9.3

In a long, fancy way that sounds too important when speaking or writing

is formal without the heavy decorative or inflated style
ineloquently
vsstiltedly
7.2

Speaking in a clumsy, unclear way that makes your meaning hard to understand

is formal and stiff rather than merely inarticulate
infelicitously
vsstiltedly
  • Formal
9.9

In an awkward or wrong way that causes trouble

is awkward too but mainly because it feels unnaturally formal
fumblingly
vsstiltedly
6.7

In a clumsy, hesitant way when someone moves or speaks

is less about hesitation and more about stiff artificial formality
cloddishly
vsstiltedly
  • Informal
9.1

In a clumsy or awkward way

is less dull and more sharply formal and unnatural in tone

Antonyms

144 1.8

Because of a person's usual character, not outside influence

103 2.5

In a relaxed, not very careful way

How Natural

naturally
114 1.0
awkwardly
38 2.7
stiltedly
1 8.8
robotically
3 6.1

Surface Forms

stiltedly positive

Morphology

stiltedly = stilted (semi-transparent) = stilt + ed + ly

The adjective 'stilted' is a metaphorical extension from 'stilt' (meaning artificially raised), so the relation is figurative and not fully obvious to learners.

Etymology

Stiltedly comes from stilt, the long pole people use to walk high above the ground, and walking on stilts can look stiff and awkward. So to act or speak stiltedly is to be 'stiff', 'formal', or 'unnatural'.