In a way that causes extreme pain, suffering, or anxiety; very slowly and painfully.
From 'agonize' (from Greek agōn 'struggle, contest') + '-ing' + '-ly'. The root agōn originally meant a physical struggle or athletic contest, then evolved to mean intense mental or emotional struggle.
The word 'agonize' started as a Greek word for athletic competition, but gradually shifted to describe any intense struggle—emotional or physical. Today when we say something is 'agonizingly slow,' we're comparing waiting to an ancient Greek wrestling match!
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