Basic Details
Word: Oppressively
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: In a way that is uncomfortable, overwhelming, or causes great distress, often due to heat or heavy burdens.
Synonyms: Stiflingly, suffocatingly, heavily
Antonyms: Comfortably, pleasantly
Idioms and Phrases
- Oppressively hot: Used to describe very high temperatures that make it difficult to be outside. Example: "The day was oppressively hot, and we had to stay indoors with the fans on."
- Under an oppressive cloud: Meaning to feel a heavy sadness or worry hanging over someone. Example: "After hearing the sad news, she felt as if she was under an oppressive cloud all day."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The oppressively humid weather made everyone feel tired and irritable.
Example 2: During the meeting, the manager spoke oppressively, making the employees feel anxious and stressed.
Example 3: The oppressively thick forest seemed to close in on us as we walked along the narrow path.
Fun Fact
The word "oppressively" comes from the Latin word "opprimere," which means "to press down." It reflects feelings of being weighed down by heavy or harsh conditions.
Famous Quote
"It is in the character of growth that we should learn from both pleasant and unpleasant experiences." - James Baldwin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "oppressively" mean?
a) In a comfortable way
b) In an overwhelming manner
c) In a loud way
d) In a quick way
Answer: b) In an overwhelming manner
2. Which of these is a synonym of "oppressively"?
a) Lightly
b) Comfortably
c) Stiflingly
d) Cheerfully
Answer: c) Stiflingly
3. Which sentence uses "oppressively" correctly?
a) The sun was shining oppressively, and we decided to go swimming.
b) The oppressively humid air made me feel like I needed a drink.
c) It was oppressively raining all day, so we played outside.
d) She laughed oppressively at the joke because it was so funny.
Answer: b) The oppressively humid air made me feel like I needed a drink.
4. Which idiom describes an uncomfortable feeling similar to "oppressively"?
a) Under an oppressive cloud
b) Up in the air
c) In hot water
d) At the drop of a hat
Answer: a) Under an oppressive cloud
5. What is the opposite of "oppressively"?
a) N/A
b) Comfortably
c) Loudly
d) Quickly
Answer: b) Comfortably
