reluctantly

/rɪˈlʌktəntli/ (bre, ipa) · /rɪˈlʌktəntli/ (ame, ipa) · /ri-ˈlək-tənt-lē/ (ame, mw)

reluctantly — adverb

1. doing something slowly or with hesitation because, although you feel you must do

1.副詞C1
釋義

doing something slowly or with hesitation because, although you feel you must do it, you would prefer not to

例句

Saira reluctantly agreed to help her younger brother study for his exam.

reluctantly + agreed to [decision verb]

After weeks of debate, the committee reluctantly approved the new policy.

reluctantly + approved [formal decision verb]

同義詞
  • unwillingly

    more direct and stronger; emphasizes a clear refusal of will rather than hesitant compliance

  • grudgingly

    adds a tone of resentment or bitterness alongside the unwillingness

  • hesitantly

    focuses on uncertainty or doubt, not necessarily opposition — the person is unsure rather than unwilling

反義詞
  • willingly

    the person wants to do it without being pushed

  • eagerly

    the person is excited or keen to do it

  • readily

    without any hesitation or objection

文法句型

reluctantly + verb

reluctantly at start of clause

用法筆記

Typically placed before the verb it modifies ('she reluctantly agreed'), but also common at the start of a sentence ('Reluctantly, he signed the form'). Conveys internal resistance — the person acts against their wishes due to external pressure or obligation, not uncertainty.

常見錯誤

❌I reluctantly knocked on the door, unsure if anyone was home.
✅I hesitantly knocked on the door, unsure if anyone was home.
💡'hesitantly' fits doubt or uncertainty; 'reluctantly' fits unwillingness caused by pressure or obligation.
❌She was reluctantly to attend the meeting.
✅She was reluctant to attend the meeting.
💡'reluctantly' is an adverb, not an adjective. Use 'reluctant' after linking verbs like 'be' or 'feel'.