adverb
In a way that causes or involves physical pain.
She walked painfully after the operation.
He breathed painfully through the night.
Common phrases & grammar
move painfully · breathe painfully
subject + verb + painfully
American English
How to pronounce painfully
adverbB2
PAYNfuhlee
/ˈpʰeɪn.fə.li/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
In a way that causes or involves physical pain.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
adverb
To a very great degree, in a way that feels uncomfortable, embarrassing, or frustrating.
The meeting was painfully slow.
She was painfully aware of her mistake.
Good to know
This meaning often makes an adjective stronger, but it also suggests that the situation is uncomfortable or difficult.
Common phrases & grammar
painfully slow · painfully obvious · painfully aware · painfully shy
painfully + adjective
painfully + adverb
Useful expressions
very aware of something in an uncomfortable way
He was painfully aware of the silence.