Definition

In a way that is not smooth or continuous, often due to emotional distress or difficulty in speaking.

Example

She spoke brokenly, struggling to hold back her tears.

Conversation

I tried to explain how I felt, but I spoke so brokenly.

I get that; sometimes it’s hard to find the right words.

Yeah, I could see the confusion on their faces.

It happens to everyone, don’t worry too much about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Brokenly → It is formed from "broken" (the past participle of "break", which comes from Old English "brecan", meaning to shatter or destroy) and "-ly" (a suffix meaning in a manner of). The word "brokenly" means in a manner that is shattered or damaged.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'shattered' ('broken') and how it is done 'in a manner' ('-ly'). This helps you remember that 'brokenly' describes doing something in a shattered or damaged way.

Visually Confused Words