numbly

[ nuhm-lee ]

/ ˈnʌm li /

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adverb

without physical sensation or the ability to move: It was a spicy dish, but it was kind of fun to bite into the peppers and wait numbly till I could use my mouth again!

in a way characterized by an inability to act or to feel emotion, as after a great shock or when severely depressed: Exhausted and traumatized, she numbly watched as others ran to salvage what they could from the wreckage of the building.Sometimes you can go through life asleep, lulled by the routine, pushing through numbly to the next thing.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of numbly

numb + -ly

Words nearby numbly

number two, number work, numbfish, numbing, numbles, numbly, numbskull, numdah, numen, numerable, numeracy

How to use numbly in a sentence

Some told community leaders they were overwhelmed by the speed of the processing lines, which left their hands numb.
How the History of Waterloo, Iowa, Explains How Meatpacking Plants Became Hotbeds of COVID-19|by Bernice Yeung and Michael Grabell|December 21, 2020|ProPublica
Workers told advocates their hands were numb at the end of the day, and if they hurt themselves, they were forced to finish their shifts.
As COVID-19 Ravaged This Iowa City, Officials Discovered Meatpacking Executives Were the Ones in Charge|by Michael Grabell and Bernice Yeung|December 21, 2020|ProPublica
A few minutes later, when his hands and left leg went numb, bleak thoughts began circulating in his mind.
A high school football coach had a heart attack during a game, but didn’t leave until it was done|Kyle Melnick|November 20, 2020|Washington Post
Westbrook said she is stepping up public education efforts, but she knows residents are somewhat numb to messages about masks, handwashing and staying home.
At dinner parties and game nights, casual American life is fueling the coronavirus surge|Karin Brulliard|November 12, 2020|Washington Post

At least 90 percent of them do not respond, and I have sent so many that I tend to be numb if I don't get a response.
Miss Manners: Does an online dating request deserve a reply to decline?|Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jacobina Martin|November 11, 2020|Washington Post
Boyle and I help him back to his desk, where he sits numbly, beyond the help of those who would help him.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Scott nodded numbly, followed, his head aching and a nameless wave of apprehension sliding through him.
Feline Red|Robert Sampson
They knelt together, and Hyacinth, numbly indifferent, felt his hand grasped and held.
Hyacinth|George A. Birmingham
Beside him sat his secretary, a wizened little man who stared numbly at his clasped hands.
The Star Lord|Boyd Ellanby
Numbly they followed on—Dor and Jon and Jak and the two youngsters.
The Forgotten Planet|Murray Leinster
Her eyes vacant and numbly fixed, she rose slowly to her feet.
The Wolf Cub|Patrick Casey