wrathfully
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈæθfəlɪ/
US
- /rˈæθfəli/
Description
- angrily
- furiously
- with intense rage
To act wrathfully means to show anger in a very strong and often frightening way. Think of a storm finally breaking, with the wind rising and everything turning fierce. It is more than just being mad; it suggests rage bursting out. A character might glare wrathfully at an enemy, or a ruler might speak wrathfully after a betrayal. The word often appears in stories where feelings are intense and conflict is high.
"Wrathfully" is an adverb describing how something is done, specifically with intense anger and fury. It paints a picture of rage that is not just sitting beneath the surface, but breaking out into words, looks, or actions. The root word "wrath" itself has an old-fashioned, almost biblical force, which is why the adverb often sounds dramatic and literary.
While we might say someone is "angry" or "furious," adding "wrathfully" makes the emotion sound more dramatic and consuming. It does not necessarily mean the anger is fair or justified, only that it is very strong. You would not simply slam a door; you might slam it wrathfully, letting your anger echo through the house.
You'll often find "wrathfully" used in literature, particularly when describing characters experiencing extreme emotional turmoil or powerful figures dispensing judgment. For example: "The king roared wrathfully at the traitor who dared to betray him." Or, "She stared wrathfully at the smoking ruins of her home, vowing to punish those responsible." It's a word that adds color and intensity to descriptions of anger, hinting at a force that is both powerful and potentially destructive. While not common in everyday conversation, "wrathfully" is a potent tool for writers seeking to convey profound rage and emotional weight.
Examples
- 1
Angry reaction
She glared wrathfully at the man who had shoved past her in line.
- 2
Accusation
"You lied to me," he said wrathfully, slamming the door behind him.
- 3
Public criticism
The mayor spoke wrathfully about the company's decision to cut hundreds of jobs.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- wrathfullyadverb