fearfully
advUS /ˈfɪɹfəli/ · UK /ˈfɪəfəli/
Etymology From fearful + -ly.
1
In a fearful manner; characterized by fear.
- I stepped fearfully into the pitch-dark cave.
- He's a fearfully good striker.
- Remember, when a horse is on its side the kicking-strap is useless, and the breechen nearly so, to prevent the swing of its hind legs; your aim is to get it away from the steps or wheel-plate of the trap, which, in its struggles, may cut its legs fearfully.1 November 1884, John Kemp, Saddlers, Harness Makers, and Carriage Builders' Gazette, volume XIV, London, pages 155–6:
- Derived terms
- unfearfully