balkily
|balk-i-ly|
/ˈbɔːkɪli/
(balky)
refusing to cooperate or work
Etymology
'balkily' comes from the adjective 'balky', which is formed from the verb 'balk'. The verb 'balk' in Middle English appears as 'balke/balken' and is related to Old Norse 'balkr' meaning 'beam, ridge'.
'balk' originally referred to a 'beam' or 'ridge' (from Old Norse 'balkr'), then developed in Middle English the sense 'to stop short or refuse', which produced the adjective 'balky' and later the adverb 'balkily'.
Initially it had a concrete meaning related to a 'beam' or 'ridge', but over time the word shifted to the sense 'to stop short or refuse', and the modern adverb 'balkily' now means 'in a reluctant or refusing manner'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a reluctant, unwilling, or uncooperative manner; grudgingly.
She balkily agreed to help with the project.
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Adverb 2
in a way that refuses to operate or perform smoothly (often said of machines or animals).
The old car balkily refused to start on the cold morning.
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Last updated: 2026/01/05 18:56