Definition

In a way that shows nervousness or restlessness; moving or acting in a quick and uneven manner.

Example

The puppy moved jumpily around the room, excited to see its owner.

Conversation

I noticed you were acting a bit jumpily during the movie.

Yeah, I guess I was just really into it.

It was pretty suspenseful; I couldn't blame you for being jumpily excited.

True! I always get nervous during thrillers.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Jumpily → It is formed from "jump" (from Middle English "jumpe", meaning to leap or spring) and "-ily" (a suffix meaning in a manner). The word "jumpily" means in a manner that involves jumping or leaping.

Memory Tip

Think of the action of 'jumping' and how doing it 'in a manner' ('-ily') describes the way someone moves — that's what jumpily means.

Visually Confused Words