stiffly

/ˈstɪfli/ (bre, ipa) · [stˈɪfli] /ˈstɪfli/ (ame, ipa)

stiffly — adverb

1. with the body, a limb, or an object held so rigid that it does not move easily

1.副詞B2
釋義

with the body, a limb, or an object held so rigid that it does not move easily

例句

After the long drive, James climbed out of the car stiffly.

verb + stiffly after physical discomfort

The injured goalie walked stiffly across the field after halftime.

同義詞
  • rigidly

    stronger and more mechanical, often suggesting almost no movement at all

  • awkwardly

    focuses more on clumsy movement than on physical tightness

反義詞
  • smoothly

    suggests easy, comfortable movement without resistance

文法句型

move + stiffly

walk + stiffly

bend + stiffly

用法筆記

Usually used when pain, cold, age, or lack of use makes movement hard. It commonly goes with verbs of standing, walking, bending, or turning.

常見錯誤

❌My shoulders felt stiffly this morning.
✅My shoulders felt stiff this morning.
💡use the adjective after 'felt'; the adverb describes how something moves.

2. with an overly formal manner that gives little sense of warmth or ease

2.副詞C1
釋義

with an overly formal manner that gives little sense of warmth or ease

例句

When the neighbors greeted him, Selim nodded stiffly and kept walking.

gesture verb showing social discomfort

Lara thanked the host stiffly before leaving the dinner early.

同義詞
  • formally

    can be neutral or appropriate, without the cold feeling that 'stiffly' often adds

  • coldly

    stronger and more openly unfriendly than 'stiffly'

反義詞
  • warmly

    shows easy friendliness and emotional openness

文法句型

smile + stiffly

nod + stiffly

answer + stiffly

用法筆記

This sense is about social manner, not physical movement. It often suggests the speaker is uncomfortable, offended, or trying to stay polite while feeling distant.

常見錯誤

❌The chair moved stiffly because one leg was loose.
✅The chair moved stiffly because the wood was swollen.
💡this adverb can describe objects, but loose movement is the opposite of 'stiffly'.

3. in a strict or severe way that sounds harsh rather than friendly

3.副詞C1
釋義

in a strict or severe way that sounds harsh rather than friendly

例句

The principal spoke stiffly to the boys after the broken window.

speech verb used for a rebuke

Rin warned the interns stiffly not to touch the private files.

warn + stiffly + not to-infinitive

同義詞
  • sternly

    the closest match when the tone is clearly disciplinary

  • harshly

    often stronger and more openly critical than 'stiffly'

反義詞
  • gently

    shows softness and kindness instead of strictness

文法句型

speak + stiffly

warn someone + stiffly

tell someone + stiffly + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Unlike sense 2, this one emphasizes a harsh or disciplinary tone. It commonly appears when someone is scolding, warning, or refusing something firmly.

常見錯誤

❌The clerk smiled stiffly and welcomed us warmly.
✅The clerk smiled politely and welcomed us warmly.
💡'stiffly' suggests distance or severity, so it clashes with a warm welcome.