What is another word for desperately

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desperately

/ˈdɛspərətli/

In a way that shows a great sense of urgency or despair.

Antonyms of desperately

Adverbs

As in related to 'in a desperate manner'

Strongest matches:

- hopefully

- optimistically

Weak matches:

- casually

- nonchalantly

Adverbs

As in related to 'extremely' or 'very much'

Strongest matches:

- slightly

- marginally

Weak matches:

- somewhat

- moderately

Synonyms

frantically, urgently, fervently, passionately, intensely, eagerly, earnestly, vehemently, anxiously, fiercely, greatly, seriously, direly, acutely, extremely, sorely, critically, pressingly, imperatively, desperately

Usage examples:

1. She desperately searched through her bag, hoping to find her lost keys.

2. The team was desperately trying to score a goal in the last minutes of the game.

3. He reached out desperately, trying to grasp the lifeline thrown to him.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a common antonym for 'desperately' when expressing a need or desire?

A common antonym for 'desperately' in the context of expressing a need or desire is 'casually.' While 'desperately' conveys a sense of intense urgency or need, 'casually' suggests a lack of urgency or a more relaxed approach.

Can 'optimistically' be considered an antonym of 'desperately'?

Yes, 'optimistically' can be considered an antonym of 'desperately' in certain contexts, especially when referring to one's outlook or approach to solving a problem. 'Desperately' implies a sense of pessimism or a last-ditch effort, whereas 'optimistically' implies a hopeful or positive outlook.

What antonym would be appropriate for 'desperately' when referring to an action taken out of urgency?

When referring to an action taken out of urgency, an appropriate antonym for 'desperately' would be 'deliberately.' 'Deliberately' suggests that the action is taken with careful thought and intention, contrasting with the hasty or frantic connotations of 'desperately.

Is there an antonym for 'desperately' that can be used to describe a calm state of mind?

Yes, 'serenely' can be used as an antonym for 'desperately' when describing a calm state of mind. While 'desperately' suggests a state of extreme distress or anxiety, 'serenely' conveys a peaceful, calm, and untroubled mindset.