What does uncannily mean?
Uncannily is an adverb that means surprisingly similar or identical to something else. It is often used to describe a sense of unease or discomfort that comes from something being too familiar or too similar. The word can also be used to describe a sense of wonder or amazement at how similar two things are. Uncannily is a useful word for describing situations where something is unexpectedly similar or identical to something else. It is often used in formal and informal writing, and is commonly used in fiction and nonfiction to create a sense of tension or unease. The word has been in use since the 17th century, and has its roots in the word 'can', which means 'to be able to'. Over time, the word has evolved to take on its current meaning, and is now a common part of the English language.
adverbUsed to describe something that is surprisingly similar or identical to something else, often in a way that is unsettling or unnerving.
- Used to describe something that is surprisingly similar or identical to something else, often in a way that is unsettling or unnerving.
"The new employee was uncannily similar to her predecessor, right down to the way she wore her hair."
"The new employee was uncannily similar to her predecessor, right down to the way she wore her hair."
"The two twins were uncannily alike, even though they had been separated at birth."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of uncannily
The word 'uncannily' has its roots in the word 'can', which means 'to be able to'. The word 'can' is thought to have originated in the 14th century, and was used to describe something that was able to do something. Over time, the word 'can' evolved to take on its current meaning, and the word 'uncannily' emerged as a variant of the word. The word 'uncannily' is thought to have originated in the 17th century, and was used to describe something that was surprisingly similar or identical to something else.
How uncannily is actually used
Uncannily is often used to describe a sense of unease or discomfort that comes from something being too familiar or too similar. It can also be used to describe a sense of wonder or amazement at how similar two things are.