Dismayingly

/dɪsˈmeɪɪŋli/ adverb

Definition

In a manner that dismays; in a disappointing or discouraging way.

Etymology

The adverbial form of 'dismaying', created by adding '-ly'. This is a modern, productive formation showing how English actively creates adverbs from present participles.

Kelly Says

Climate change reports are 'dismayingly consistent'—this adverb captures how bad news keeps getting worse in the same direction. It's more precise than 'disappointingly' because it implies a psychological punch, not just a shortfall.

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