GINGERLY Meaning and
Definition
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Gingerly is an adverb that describes a manner or action characterized by extreme care, caution, and delicacy. It suggests a cautious and gentle approach to avoid causing any damage, injury, or mishap. When someone does something gingerly, they are taking great care and making deliberate movements to ensure that whatever they do is done with precision and without causing harm.
This word often connotes a sense of hesitancy or fear, as if the person performing the action is aware of potential danger or fragility. For example, when approaching a delicate piece of artwork, one might handle it gingerly to prevent any damage. Similarly, someone may walk gingerly on a slippery or uneven surface to avoid slipping or tripping.
Gingerly can also be used to describe actions that are taken with great sensitivity or consideration for others. For instance, one might gingerly broach a sensitive topic during a conversation to ensure that they do not offend or upset anyone.
Overall, gingerly implies a cautious, delicate, and meticulous approach to actions or movements, emphasizing the need to proceed with great care and prudence. It highlights the importance of being mindful and attentive to one's surroundings and the potential consequences of one's actions.
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Like a younger man; cautiously; carefully, as from delicacy or timidity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for GINGERLY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for GINGERLY
Etymology of GINGERLY
The word "gingerly" is derived from Middle English "gingerly" or "gyngegly", which itself comes from the Old French "gensor" or "gencor" meaning "delicate" or "refined". This Old French term was influenced by the Latin word "geniculatus", which means "knee" or "bent". When it first appeared in English during the 15th century, "gingerly" referred to moving with a cautious and delicate stepping motion, akin to the careful movement one might make while walking on uneven ground or a bent knee. Over time, the term evolved to its present-day meaning, which implies careful, cautious, or delicate action.
Similar spelling words for GINGERLY
- gingerbread,
- ginger,
- gingerich,
- gingras,
- ginger snap,
- gingerol,
- ginger pop,
- gingerroot,
- Gingrich,
- ginger beer,
- ginger up,
- gingery,
- ginger ale,
- ginger nut,
- gingersnap.
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