fumblingly

/ˈfʌm.blɪŋ.li/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfʌm.blɪŋ.li/ (ame, ipa)

fumblingly — adverb

1. doing something with clumsy or unsteady hand movements, or while speaking in a n

1.副詞C2
釋義

doing something with clumsy or unsteady hand movements, or while speaking in a nervous, hesitant way — typically because you feel anxious, embarrassed, cold, or unsure of yourself.

例句

Vivek fumblingly tried to unlock the door while holding two heavy grocery bags.

verb + fumblingly + infinitive showing clumsy hand action

Constanza fumblingly apologised to her boss after spilling coffee on his desk.

fumblingly + speech verb for nervous, hesitant talking

同義詞
  • clumsily

    broader; describes any awkward physical action, without the nervous or anxious feeling

  • awkwardly

    covers both physical and social awkwardness; less focused on hand movements

  • hesitantly

    highlights the pause and uncertainty in speech, with no clumsy hand picture

反義詞
  • deftly

    with quick, skilful, sure hand movements

  • smoothly

    without any hesitation, clumsiness, or trouble

文法句型

verb + fumblingly

fumblingly + verb

用法筆記

Frequently modifies verbs of hand action (reach, grab, unlock, pour) or speech (answer, apologise, explain). Typically signals an inner state — nerves, cold, surprise, embarrassment — behind the clumsy movement, rather than long-term lack of skill.

常見錯誤

❌He plays the piano fumblingly every Sunday.
✅He plays the piano clumsily every Sunday.
💡'fumblingly' describes one moment of nervous or anxious clumsiness, not a regular skill level.
❌She walked fumblingly down the street.
✅She walked unsteadily down the street.
💡'fumblingly' is about hand or speech movements, not how someone walks.