What does shrinkingly mean?
Shrinkingly is an adverb meaning in a way that becomes progressively smaller, narrower, or less significant. It can describe a literal reduction in size, such as a space becoming increasingly confined, or a figurative decline, such as an influence or opportunity becoming steadily less substantial. The word is more literary and emphatic than simply saying increasingly less, and its slightly unusual rhythm makes it especially effective in descriptive writing. It is closely related to the verb shrink and is normally used when the change is gradual or continuing. Although understandable in modern English, shrinkingly is not common in everyday speech, so writers should consider whether a simpler expression would be more suitable for the intended audience.
adverbIn a way that becomes smaller, less, or more limited; increasingly less.
- In a manner that decreases in size, extent, or degree.
"The path narrowed shrinkingly as the forest thickened around them."
"Her influence became shrinkingly apparent as the organization changed."
"The visible portion of the moon grew shrinkingly smaller throughout the eclipse."
Shrinkingly turns a simple change of size into a vivid image of something becoming smaller and smaller.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shrinkingly come from?
Shrinkingly was formed in the 19th century from the English verb shrink, whose roots go back to Old English and Germanic forms associated with drawing back or shrinking. The suffix -ly has long formed adverbs from adjectives and participles, producing a specialized adverb from the present participle shrinking. Related English forms include shrinkage, meaning a decrease in size or quantity, and shrinkable, meaning capable of being reduced.
Related word forms
How shrinkingly is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and somewhat literary adverb. It is more often used in descriptive or figurative writing than in ordinary conversation.