What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
numbly
Example
After the accident, I felt numbly in shock. [numbly: adverb]
Example
She numbly stared at the TV screen, not registering what was happening. [numbly: adverb]
unresponsively
Example
He unresponsively nodded his head, not really listening to what I was saying. [unresponsively: adverb]
Example
The student sat unresponsively in class, not participating in the discussion. [unresponsively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unresponsively is less commonly used than numbly in everyday language. Numbly is more versatile and covers a wider range of contexts, while unresponsively is more specific and typically used in formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between numbly and unresponsively?
Unresponsively is more formal than numbly. It is typically used in academic or technical writing, while numbly can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
