What does intimidatingly mean?
“Intimidatingly” is an adverb meaning “in a way that causes fear, nervousness, or a sense of being overpowered.” It often describes a person’s demeanor, a place, a task, or a size that seems overwhelming: an intimidatingly large building, an intimidatingly difficult examination, or an intimidatingly confident competitor. The word can suggest intentional intimidation, but it can also simply describe an effect produced by scale, severity, or authority. It is more specific and forceful than “dauntingly,” which often emphasizes discouragement or the prospect of difficulty, and more specific than “impressively,” which does not necessarily involve fear. “Intimidatingly” is less common than “intimidating” or “intimidate,” but it is useful when the focus is on how an action or quality affects people. It appears in formal writing, journalism, commentary, and everyday descriptions of challenging or imposing situations.
adverbIn a way that causes fear, intimidation, or a feeling of being overpowered. It describes an action, appearance, or situation that makes someone feel nervous or afraid.
- In a manner that is intended or perceived as threatening, overbearing, or liable to make someone feel afraid.
"The enormous hall was intimidatingly vast, and the speaker hesitated before entering."
"She answered the question with intimidatingly calm confidence."
"The climb from the base of the cliff was intimidatingly steep."
Some people are intimidated by the very confidence that intimidatingly successful people project.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intimidatingly come from?
The adverb is derived from “intimidate,” which comes through the Latin “intimidare,” from “in-” meaning “into” or “upon” and “timidus” meaning “timid” or “fearing.” The Latin root is also the source of English words such as “timid” and “timidity.” The development of “intimidate” in English originally referred to making someone timid or afraid and later came to include overawing or coercing someone by force or authority.
Related word forms
How intimidatingly is actually used
The adverb is relatively uncommon compared with the adjective “intimidating” and the verb “intimidate.” It can describe either deliberate intimidation or an appearance that produces intimidation, depending on context.
Easily confused with intimidatingly
“Intimidatingly” describes something that causes intimidation, whereas “intimidated” describes the person who is made to feel afraid or overpowered.
“Intimidatingly” is an adverb modifying a verb or another adverb, while “intimidating” is generally an adjective describing a person, thing, or situation.