What does shakily mean?
Shakily is an adverb meaning in an unsteady, trembling, or uncertain manner. It describes the way a person moves, speaks, writes, or performs an action: a speaker may answer shakily, a glass may be held shakily, or a proposal may be presented shakily by someone who lacks confidence. The word can therefore suggest either literal physical instability or the hesitation and lack of certainty associated with nervousness, fear, or doubt. Although it is related to the more familiar adjective shaky, shakily focuses on how an action is carried out rather than on the condition of a person or thing. It is especially useful for emphasizing visible tremor or hesitant delivery in narrative and descriptive writing.
adverbIn an unsteady or trembling manner. It can also describe a performance, plan, or statement made with uncertainty or lack of confidence.
- In an unsteady or trembling manner.
- With hesitation, uncertainty, or lack of confidence.
"She answered the difficult question shakily, unsure whether her theory was correct."
"The old ladder wobbled as he climbed it shakily."
"The witness spoke shakily, but she was certain that she had seen the accident."
Shakily turns a physical wobble into a picture of doubt: you can speak shakily, walk shakily, or hold an idea shakily.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shakily come from?
Shakily is formed from the adjective shaky plus the adverbial suffix -ly. The adjective derives from the verb shake, whose roots are ancient and Germanic. Related forms include shaky, shakiness, and shakable; these continue to reflect the idea of movement that is unsteady or easily disturbed.
How shakily is actually used
The adverb is relatively uncommon compared with the adjective. It is especially natural when describing movement, voice, handwriting, or performance, where the quality of trembling is apparent.
Easily confused with shakily
Shaky is an adjective describing something unsteady or uncertain, whereas shakily is an adverb describing the manner in which an action is performed.