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witheringly
This adverb describes a manner of speaking or looking that is intended to make someone feel small, ashamed, or powerless. It carries a heavy emotional weight of contempt and superiority, suggesting a psychological "drying up" or crushing of the recipient's confidence.
While "sharply" or "critically" might describe the speed or accuracy of a rebuke, "witheringly" emphasizes the devastating effect of the delivery. It is most commonly paired with verbs of communication or observation, such as "smile," "look," or "reply," to indicate a cold, dismissive intensity.
Meanings
Examples
She looked at him witheringly after he admitted he had forgotten their anniversary.
The CEO spoke witheringly about the failure of the marketing campaign.
I can still feel the weight of that witheringly cold stare from my professor.
The critic dismissed the new play witheringly in the morning paper.
Why does she always answer me so witheringly when I try to help?
The dragon breathed a blast of heat that witheringly scorched the surrounding forest.
The salt spray from the ocean acted witheringly on the coastal shrubs.
He smiled witheringly at the amateur who claimed to be an expert.
Collocations & Compounds
witheringly sarcastic
Adjective collocation: extremely critical and mocking in a way that humiliates
witheringly blunt
Adjective collocation: harshly honest to the point of causing shame
speak witheringly
Verb collocation: to talk to someone in a way that makes them feel small or ashamed
glance witheringly
Verb collocation: to look at someone with intense disdain or contempt