Reluctantly

/rɪˈlʌktəntli/ adverb

Definition

In a unwilling or hesitant manner; with reluctance or resistance.

Etymology

From reluctant (Latin reluctans, from re- 'back' + luctari 'to struggle') plus adverbial suffix -ly. Originally meant 'struggling against,' the meaning softened to general unwillingness by the 17th century.

Kelly Says

Reluctantly literally means 'struggling backward' - it preserves the physical image of someone being dragged forward while fighting against the motion. This Latin wrestling metaphor perfectly captures the internal conflict of doing something you don't want to do.

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