fearfully

Everyday

1. In a frightened or worried way. tree →
2. (old-fashioned, UK) Very or extremely: «fearfully clever». tree →
3. In a way that is frightening to see. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows how a character acts when scared: «she looked fearfully at the door». In old-fashioned British talk it can simply mean «very». Phrases: look fearfully, whisper fearfully, fearfully sorry.

Examples

• The kitten peeped fearfully out from under the bed. tree →
• He whispered fearfully, «Did you hear that noise?» tree →
• The children looked fearfully at the dark cave. tree →
• She stepped fearfully onto the wobbly bridge. tree →
• I'm fearfully sorry for being late, said the old gentleman. tree →
• The little boy held his mother's hand fearfully during the storm. tree →
• His jaws were open, his tongue hung from his mouth, and his eyes glared fearfully. tree →

Note

Adjective: fearful (afraid, or causing fear). Similar: nervously, anxiously. Opposite: bravely, boldly, fearlessly. The «very» sense sounds old-fashioned and posh.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means in a way that fills one with awe.

Interpretation. The tradition reads this verse as praise for the wonder of the human body and the Creator who made it.

Examples

• I will give thanks unto Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Writings PSA.139.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Adjective: fearful (afraid, or causing fear). Similar: nervously, anxiously. Opposite: bravely, boldly, fearlessly. The «very» sense sounds old-fashioned and posh.