stirringly
|stir-ring-ly|
🇺🇸
/ˈstɝrɪŋli/
🇬🇧
/ˈstɜː.rɪŋ.li/
cause movement / excite
Etymology
'stirringly' originates from Modern English, formed from the adjective 'stirring' (present participle of 'stir') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
'stirring' developed as the present participle of Middle English/Old English verbs related to 'stir' (e.g. Old English 'styrian'/'stirran' variants), and the adverb '-ly' was added in Modern English to create 'stirringly'.
The root verb originally meant 'to move or agitate (physically)'; over time a figurative sense 'to excite emotionally' became common, and 'stirringly' now chiefly means 'in a moving or emotionally rousing way'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a stirring manner; so as to excite strong emotion or enthusiasm; movingly.
She spoke stirringly about the refugees, and many in the audience were moved to tears.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/14 21:25