Reading Theme:
Awkward: Definitions, Examples, and Usage Tips (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：embarrassing (Awkward)
Awkward
/ˈɔːkwərd/
adj.
Describes a situation that makes you feel embarrassed, uncomfortable, or unsure of what to do.
embarrassing
➕
/ɪmˈbærəsɪŋ/
adj.
Describes a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, self-conscious, or uneasy, often due to social factors.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old Norse 'öfugr' (turned wrong way) + '-ward' (direction).
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'awk' as in 'awkward' sounds like 'caught off guard' - that's when you feel awkward.
📖 Example
There was an awkward silence after I accidentally told him his secret.
There was an awkward silence after I accidentally told him his secret.
🔗 Collocations
awkward silence – a silence that feels uncomfortable and tense
awkward moment – a moment causing embarrassment or discomfort
🔄 Synonyms
embarrassing (adj.) – causing a feeling of self-consciousness or shame
uncomfortable (adj.) – causing or feeling unease or awkwardness
🚫 Antonyms
comfortable (adj.) – providing ease and relaxation
smooth (adj.) – free from difficulties or awkwardness
🌱 Derivatives
awkwardly (adv.) – in an awkward or clumsy manner
awkwardness (n.) – the quality of being awkward
📖 Cultural Story
From Old Norse 'öfugr' (backward) + '-ward'. In Middle English, it described a left-handed person (seen as unlucky), later evolving to mean clumsy and socially uncomfortable.
Meaning 2：clumsy (Awkward)
Awkward
/ˈɔːkwərd/
adj.
Describes movements that are not smooth, graceful, or coordinated; clumsy.
clumsy
➕
/ˈklʌmzi/
adj.
Describes movements that are uncoordinated, ungainly, or lacking grace.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My little brother is at that awkward age where his hands and feet seem too big for his body.
My little brother is at that awkward age where his hands and feet seem too big for his body.
🔗 Collocations
awkward gait – an unsteady or clumsy way of walking
awkward movement – a movement that lacks coordination and smoothness
🔄 Synonyms
clumsy (adj.) – moving or handling things in a awkward, careless way
uncoordinated (adj.) – lacking physical coordination; clumsy
gawky (adj.) – tall and thin and awkward in movement
🚫 Antonyms
graceful (adj.) – moving in a smooth, elegant way
coordinated (adj.) – able to move efficiently and smoothly
🌱 Derivatives
awkwardly (adv.) – in an awkward or clumsy manner
awkwardness (n.) – the quality of being awkward
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser