Langimage
English

reluctantly

|re/luc/tant/ly|

B2

/rɪˈlʌktəntli/

(reluctant)

hesitant

Base FormAdverb
reluctantreluctantly
Etymology
Etymology Information

'reluctantly' originates from the Latin word 'reluctari,' where 're-' meant 'against' and 'luctari' meant 'to struggle.'

Historical Evolution

'reluctari' transformed into the French word 'relucter,' and eventually became the modern English word 'reluctant' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to struggle against,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'unwillingness or hesitation.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner showing hesitation or unwillingness.

She reluctantly agreed to the proposal.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35