Unseemly vs Unseemingly: Deciding Between Similar Terms

Unseemly vs unseemingly: two words that sound similar, but have different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between these two words and when to use them.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word. Unseemly is the correct word to use when describing something that is inappropriate or unsuitable. Unseemingly, on the other hand, is not a commonly used word and is often used incorrectly. It is an adverb that means “in an unseemly manner.”

So, what does unseemly mean? Unseemly is an adjective that describes something that is inappropriate or unsuitable. It can be used to describe behavior, actions, or even clothing. For example, “It was unseemly for him to show up to the wedding in shorts and a t-shirt.”

On the other hand, unseemingly is an adverb that describes how something is done in an inappropriate or unsuitable manner. For example, “He unseemingly interrupted the speaker during the presentation.”

Now that we have a better understanding of what these words mean, let’s dive deeper into their usage and explore some examples.

Define Unseemly

Unseemly is an adjective that refers to something that is inappropriate, indecent, or improper. It is used to describe behavior or actions that are considered unacceptable in a particular context or situation. Unseemly behavior can be offensive or disrespectful, and it may violate social norms or standards of decency.

For example, shouting profanities in a public place is unseemly behavior, as it is likely to offend others and disrupt the peace. Similarly, wearing revealing clothing to a formal event would be considered unseemly, as it is inappropriate for the occasion.

Define Unseemingly

Unseemingly is an adverb that is derived from the adjective unseemly. It is used to describe the manner in which something is done, rather than the nature of the action itself. Unseemingly can be used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

For example, if someone speaks unseemingly, it means that they are using inappropriate language or tone. If someone behaves unseemingly, it means that they are acting in a manner that is inappropriate or indecent.

It is important to note that unseemingly is not as commonly used as unseemly, and may be considered archaic or outdated in some contexts.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Proper usage of words is essential in effective communication. Misuse of words can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words unseemly and unseemingly in a sentence.

How To Use Unseemly In A Sentence

The word unseemly is an adjective that describes something that is inappropriate, indecent, or improper. It is often used to describe behavior or actions that are considered unacceptable or offensive. Here are some examples:

• The politician’s unseemly behavior at the fundraiser event caused a scandal.
• The company’s decision to cut corners in safety measures was deemed unseemly by the public.
• The teacher was shocked by the student’s unseemly language in the classroom.

As you can see, the word unseemly is used to describe actions or behavior that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable in a given situation.

How To Use Unseemingly In A Sentence

The word unseemingly is an adverb that describes an action that is done in an inappropriate or indecent manner. It is often used to describe how something is done rather than what is being done. Here are some examples:

• The employee unseemingly took credit for his colleague’s work.
• The athlete unseemingly taunted his opponent during the game.
• The artist unseemingly copied another artist’s work without giving credit.

As you can see, the word unseemingly is used to describe how an action is done in an inappropriate or indecent manner, rather than describing the action itself.

More Examples Of Unseemly & Unseemingly Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide a variety of examples to showcase how the words unseemly and unseemingly can be used in a sentence. By examining these examples, readers will gain a better understanding of the proper context for using these words in their own writing.

Examples Of Using Unseemly In A Sentence

• The politician’s unseemly behavior during the debate cost him the election.
• Her unseemly attire was inappropriate for the formal event.
• The company’s unseemly business practices led to a public outcry.
• He made an unseemly comment that offended everyone in the room.
• The actor’s unseemly outburst on social media resulted in backlash from fans.
• The teacher’s unseemly relationship with a student led to his dismissal.
• The athlete’s unseemly behavior towards his opponent was unsportsmanlike.
• The CEO’s unseemly greed caused the company’s downfall.
• Her unseemly habit of interrupting others made her unpopular among her colleagues.
• The journalist’s unseemly pursuit of a story crossed ethical boundaries.

Examples Of Using Unseemingly In A Sentence

• The unseemingly perfect couple had a hidden dark side.
• His unseemingly innocent question revealed his ulterior motives.
• The unseemingly simple task turned out to be more complicated than expected.
• Her unseemingly cheerful demeanor masked her inner turmoil.
• The unseemingly high price of the product made it difficult to sell.
• His unseemingly calm reaction to the news surprised everyone.
• The unseemingly small mistake had major consequences.
• Her unseemingly casual approach to the project caused delays.
• The unseemingly harmless prank went too far and caused damage.
• His unseemingly friendly demeanor made others suspicious of his intentions.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words unseemly and unseemingly, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of one another.

Using Unseemly Instead Of Unseemingly

One common mistake people make is using unseemly when they actually mean unseemingly. Unseemly is an adjective that describes something that is improper or inappropriate. For example, “The CEO’s unseemly behavior at the company party caused quite a stir.”

On the other hand, unseemingly is an adverb that describes something that appears to be improper or inappropriate. For example, “The politician’s unseemingly close relationship with the lobbyist raised some eyebrows.”

So, if you are trying to describe how something appears to be improper or inappropriate, you should use unseemingly instead of unseemly.

Using Unseemingly Instead Of Unseemly

Another common mistake people make is using unseemingly when they actually mean unseemly. As mentioned earlier, unseemly describes something that is improper or inappropriate. If you use unseemingly in place of unseemly, you are describing how something appears to be improper or inappropriate, rather than actually being so.

For example, if you say “The CEO’s behavior was unseemingly,” you are saying that the behavior appeared to be improper, but you are not actually saying that it was improper. If you mean to say that the behavior was actually improper, you should use unseemly instead.

Tips To Avoid Confusing The Two Words

To avoid confusing unseemly and unseemingly, it is important to understand the difference in their meanings. Here are some tips:

• Remember that unseemly is an adjective that describes something that is improper or inappropriate.
• Remember that unseemingly is an adverb that describes how something appears to be improper or inappropriate.
• When in doubt, use unseemly to describe something that is actually improper or inappropriate.
• Use unseemingly to describe how something appears to be improper or inappropriate.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can avoid making the common mistake of using unseemly and unseemingly interchangeably.

Context Matters

Choosing between two similar words can be challenging, especially when they are as close in meaning as unseemly and unseemingly. However, the context in which they are used can make all the difference in determining the appropriate choice.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Choice
Adverbial Use	The child looked unseemly at the party.	Unseemingly
Adjectival Use	The child’s behavior at the party was unseemly.	Unseemly
Formal Writing	The unseemly behavior of the guests was not tolerated.	Unseemly
Informal Writing	The guests acted unseemingly and caused a scene.	Unseemingly

As seen in the table above, the choice between unseemly and unseemingly can depend on the way in which they are used. In the adverbial form, unseemingly is the appropriate choice, while in the adjectival form, unseemly is preferred. Additionally, the formality of the writing can also impact the choice between the two words.

It is important to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure that the appropriate choice is made and the intended meaning is conveyed clearly and effectively.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using unseemly and unseemingly are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply.

When Unseemly Is Used As An Adverb

While unseemly is primarily used as an adjective to describe something that is inappropriate or improper, it can also be used as an adverb to modify verbs. In this case, the word unseemingly is not used, and the adverb form of unseemly is used instead. For example:

• The politician behaved unseemly during the debate.
• The children were laughing unseemly at the funeral.

In these cases, unseemly is modifying the verbs behaved and laughing, respectively, and is not describing a noun.

When Unseemingly Is Used As An Adjective

While unseemingly is primarily used as an adverb to modify verbs, there are some cases where it can be used as an adjective to describe a noun. In these cases, unseemly is not used. For example:

• The unseemingly large amount of food on the table was overwhelming.
• Her unseemingly bright personality was contagious.

In these cases, unseemingly is describing the nouns amount and personality, respectively, and is not modifying a verb.

When The Context Calls For A Different Word

There may be instances where neither unseemly nor unseemingly are appropriate, and a different word should be used instead. For example:

• The dress was inappropriate for the occasion.
• The comedian’s jokes were tasteless.

In these cases, unseemly and unseemingly would not be appropriate because they do not accurately describe the situation. It is important to choose the correct word based on the context.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between unseemly and unseemingly, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your usage of these words:

Exercise 1:

Choose the correct word to fill in the blank:

1. The politician’s behavior was ____________ during the debate.
2. The actor’s performance was ____________.
3. The party guests behaved ____________.

Answer Key:

1. unseemly
2. unseemly
3. unseemingly

Explanation: In the first two sentences, unseemly is the correct choice because it describes behavior or performance that is inappropriate or not suitable. In the third sentence, unseemingly is the correct choice because it describes behavior that appears to be appropriate or suitable, but may not actually be so.

Exercise 2:

Write a sentence using unseemly and a sentence using unseemingly:

• _______________________________
• _______________________________

Answer Key:

• The CEO’s unseemly behavior at the company picnic caused quite a stir.
• The politician’s unseemingly gracious response to the scandal raised suspicions.

Explanation: In the first sentence, unseemly is used to describe behavior that is inappropriate or not suitable. In the second sentence, unseemingly is used to describe behavior that appears to be appropriate or suitable, but may not actually be so.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of these two words. Remember to pay attention to context and connotation when choosing between unseemly and unseemingly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the difference between unseemly and unseemingly is crucial for effective communication. Unseemly is an adjective that describes something that is inappropriate or improper, while unseemingly is an adverb that describes an action that appears inappropriate or improper.

By using these words correctly, you can convey your message clearly and avoid misunderstandings. It is important to note that language is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with grammar rules and language use is essential for effective communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Unseemly is an adjective that describes something that is inappropriate or improper.
• Unseemingly is an adverb that describes an action that appears inappropriate or improper.
• Using these words correctly can help you communicate your message clearly.
• Staying up-to-date with grammar rules and language use is essential for effective communication.

Remember, language is a powerful tool, and using it effectively can make all the difference in how your message is received. Keep learning and practicing, and you’ll be sure to become a master of language use.