What does scowlingly mean?
“Scowlingly” is an adverb meaning “in a manner characterized by scowling.” It describes a facial expression that is sullen, disapproving, hostile, or angry, and it is commonly used with verbs such as “look,” “glance,” “stare,” and “watch.” For example, someone might look at a person scowlingly or turn away scowlingly, emphasizing both the expression and the unpleasant attitude it conveys. The word is more emphatic and descriptive than simply saying that someone “frowned,” and it is somewhat literary rather than everyday neutral language. Its precise force comes from combining the visual image of a scowl with the grammar of an adverb, making it especially useful when describing how a speaker or writer wants a reader to imagine a scene. Although “scowlingly” has a limited and somewhat old-fashioned flavor, it remains clear and natural in descriptive prose.
adverbIn a manner characterized by a scowl; with a sullen, disapproving, or angry look.
- In a manner characterized by a scowl; with a sullen, disapproving, or angry look.
"He glanced at me scowlingly and walked away without a word."
"The child scowlingly retreated behind her mother."
"The critic scowlingly dismissed the proposal without offering an explanation."
The -ly ending turns a familiar facial expression into a precise description of how someone looks or behaves.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scowlingly come from?
“Scowlingly” is an English formation made by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to “scowling,” the participial form of “scowl.” The exact historical origin of “scowl” is uncertain, but the modern English verb and noun are well established. The adverb is a later grammatical extension of that older verb, sharing its meaning while emphasizing the manner in which an action or look is performed.
How scowlingly is actually used
This adverb is relatively uncommon and has a slightly literary or emphatic quality. It often describes a look, gaze, or manner of behaving, and it conveys disapproval, displeasure, or irritation in addition to anger.
Easily confused with scowlingly
“Scowlingly” is an adverb describing the manner of an action, whereas “scowling” is a participial adjective or gerund describing the act or expression of scowling.