Reluctantly — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ri-ˈlək-tənt-lē/ re·luc·tant·ly

Meaning & Definition of Reluctantly

Reluctantly (adverb)

  1. in a reluctant manner, with aversion or hesitation

Reluctantly (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in unwillingly, hesitantly

    similar: hesitantly, unwillingly, aloofly, disinterestedly, impassively, incuriously, apathetically, indifferently, lukewarmly, perfunctorily
    opposite: enthusiastically, exuberantly, madly, rhapsodically, sky-high, avidly, eagerly, excitedly, impatiently, keenly, fanatically, rabidly, warmly, zealously

Related Entry: Reluctant (adjective)

Reluctant is a different word from Reluctantly. The synonyms below are for reluctant, not for reluctantly.

  1. slow to begin or proceed with a course of action because of doubts or uncertainty

    "I'm reluctant to let you borrow my vintage CDs since you never give back anything I lend you"

    similar: cagey, disinclined, dubious, hesitant, indisposed, loath, reticent
    related: uneager, unenthusiastic, averse, unwilling, ambivalent, conflicted, doubtful, faltering, halting, indecisive, infirm, irresolute, questioning, skeptical, uncertain, undecided, unsure, vacillating, wobbly, fainthearted, shy, timid
    opposite: disposed, inclined
    near: eager, enthusiastic, glad, happy, keen, ready, willing, certain, decided, determined, resolute, sure, unquestioning

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Reluctantly

The most common words with a similar meaning to Reluctantly:

hesitantly, unwillingly, aloofly, disinterestedly, impassively, incuriously, apathetically, indifferently, lukewarmly, perfunctorily

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Reluctantly

Words with the opposite meaning of Reluctantly:

enthusiastically, exuberantly, madly, rhapsodically, sky-high, avidly, eagerly, excitedly, impatiently, keenly, fanatically, rabidly, warmly, zealously

Origin & Etymology of Reluctantly

First known use: 1646

Frequently Asked Questions about Reluctantly

What does "Reluctantly" mean?

"Reluctantly" means in a reluctant manner, with aversion or hesitation. As an adverb, it is defined as: in a reluctant manner, with aversion or hesitation.

What is another word for "Reluctantly"?

Other words for "Reluctantly" include hesitantly, unwillingly, aloofly, disinterestedly, impassively, incuriously, apathetically and indifferently. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Reluctantly" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Reluctantly"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Reluctantly". Common alternatives include hesitantly, unwillingly, aloofly, disinterestedly, impassively, incuriously, apathetically, indifferently, lukewarmly and perfunctorily.

What is the opposite of "Reluctantly"?

Antonyms of "Reluctantly" include enthusiastically, exuberantly, madly, rhapsodically, sky-high, avidly, eagerly and excitedly.

Is "Reluctantly" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Reluctantly" is an adverb.

How do you pronounce "Reluctantly"?

"Reluctantly" is pronounced /ri-ˈlək-tənt-lē/ and divided into syllables as re·luc·tant·ly.

What is the origin of the word "Reluctantly"?

First known use: 1646.

What is another word for "Reluctantly" meaning "as in unwillingly, hesitantly"?

When "Reluctantly" (adverb) means as in unwillingly, hesitantly, synonyms include hesitantly, unwillingly, aloofly, disinterestedly, impassively and incuriously. Opposites in this sense include enthusiastically, exuberantly, madly and rhapsodically.