stiltedly
1
8.8
- adverb
- /ˈstɪltɪdli/
- 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
36
2.7
In a clumsy or uncomfortable way, often showing nervousness around other people
15
4.4
In a way that is not relaxed, often because of pain or to seem formal
11
2.8
In an awkward way that shows little skill or control
2
7.8
To speak or move slowly and heavily in an awkward, boring way
1
5.5
In a clumsy way that is not graceful
1
7.7
In a proud, showy way to seem more important than others
1
7.3
In a stiff, awkward way that shows no feeling
1
4.8
In an awkward, clumsy way that is not smooth
1
6.5
In an awkward or clumsy way
1
9.9
In an awkward or wrong way that causes trouble
1
6.7
In a clumsy, hesitant way when someone moves or speaks
1
8.3
In a false way to seem more important or polite than you feel
1
7.9
In a formal, unfriendly way or in a room without fresh air
1
7.2
Speaking in a clumsy, unclear way that makes your meaning hard to understand
1
9.3
In a long, fancy way that sounds too important when speaking or writing
1
9.1
In a clumsy or awkward way
Antonyms
How Natural
Surface Forms
Morphology
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'.