threateningly
|threat-en-ing-ly|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈθrɛt.nɪŋ.li/
🇬🇧
/ˈθrɛt.ən.ɪŋ.li/
(threaten)
imposing danger
Etymology
Etymology Information
'threaten' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'þreatian,' where 'þreat' meant 'crowd or troop.'
Historical Evolution
'þreatian' transformed into the Middle English word 'threten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'threaten.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to crowd or press,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to express an intention to inflict harm.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner that suggests harm or danger.
The storm clouds gathered threateningly over the horizon.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/07/18 04:20