Word
anxiously
Phoneticsanx·ious·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæŋkʃəsɫi/
UK/ˈæŋʃəsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that shows you are worried or nervous. You use this when someone is waiting for news or is afraid of what might happen.
adv. in a manner characterized by nervousness, apprehension, or unease. Typically modifies verbs related to waiting, watching, or speaking.
Examples
“She waited anxiously for the doctor to call.”
“The students sat anxiously in the hallway while the teacher graded their final exams.”
“As the storm clouds gathered on the horizon, the sailors watched the darkening sky anxiously, knowing their small vessel was ill-equipped for a gale.”
Examples
simple
“She waited anxiously for the doctor to call.”
contextual
“The students sat anxiously in the hallway while the teacher graded their final exams.”
complex
“As the storm clouds gathered on the horizon, the sailors watched the darkening sky anxiously, knowing their small vessel was ill-equipped for a gale.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Real-World Examples
“Nothing is left."
At Kathmandu's TU Teaching Hospital, families of those missing in the floods wait anxiously for updates.” “Brave Irene wrestles the dress and rides the box downhill like a sled in order to reach the duchess, who is anxiously waiting for her gown.” Etymology
From anxious + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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