teasingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teasingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or tone that is playful or meant to provoke a light-hearted reaction. Example: "She smiled teasingly as she revealed the surprise party she had planned for him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So this is a wonderful curiosity, which points, teasingly, both towards and away from Beckett's development.

The Guardian - Books

Others surround it, shouting teasingly at Farage.

The Guardian

Or teasingly to suggest that his planes may charge for using the toilet or offer discounts for passengers prepared to stand up.

The Economist

So I am disposed to take his opinions seriously, whether they concern the pleasures and perils of hitch-hiking, or the legacy of neo-Platonism.But I will leave readers to make up their own minds about the teasingly provocative ideas which Mr Fowden set out this week.

The Economist

What if it had contained a great deal more circumstantial detail and a much larger cast of characters, and not been explored in this small-scale suite of teasingly gnomic poems?

The Economist

It is not a masterpiece, but rather a work of skilful craftsmanship, which teasingly engages and disengages one's sympathies but leaves the reader with curiously mixed feelings.

The Economist

Isaiah Berlin, an Oxford political thinker, referred to him teasingly as Christ.

The Economist

There were several more bloody rounds in the contest between empire (what Mr Holland teasingly calls "the Reich") and the Holy See.

The Economist

Can pure friendship explain his acute case of what one critic called "Castroenteritis"?Perhaps, as Mr Esteban and Ms Panichelli teasingly suggest, he is simply waiting for the ultimate scoop the definitive insider's account of Fidel's life and times.

The Economist

One slide teasingly showed potential revenues of €300 billion, against the country's outstanding debt of €340 billion.

The Economist

Sophie Read, an outreach officer in the university's English department teasingly tells them to stop talking about Tennyson.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "teasingly" to convey a playful yet slightly provocative tone. It's ideal when describing actions or words intended to amuse or gently challenge someone.

Common error

Avoid using "teasingly" when the context requires a stronger term like "mockingly" or "tauntingly". "Teasingly" implies a degree of affection or playfulness that might be inappropriate in more serious or aggressive situations.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "teasingly" functions primarily to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes actions done in a playful, gently provocative way. Examples show it used to describe speech, actions, and even the presentation of ideas.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

18%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "teasingly" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed term used to describe actions or words delivered with a playful yet subtly provocative intention. As noted by Ludwig AI, "teasingly" is deemed correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, it effectively softens communication, injecting a degree of lightheartedness. While generally acceptable, writers should be mindful of the context, opting for alternatives like "playfully" or "jokingly" in more formal settings or when a gentler tone is required. Conversely, avoid using it when a stronger term such as "mockingly" is more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a teasing manner

A more verbose way of expressing the same idea, suitable for formal contexts.

playfully

Indicates a light-hearted and amusing manner, focusing on the fun aspect rather than potential provocation.

in a lighthearted way

Focuses on the positive, joyful aspect of the interaction, minimizing any potential for offense.

jokingly

Emphasizes the intent to create amusement or laughter, often lacking the subtle provocation.

with playful irony

Highlights the ironic aspect of the teasing, adding a layer of wit.

banteringly

Highlights a friendly and light-hearted exchange, closer to playful conversation.

with gentle ribbing

Indicates a friendly and affectionate form of teasing, minimizing any potential harm.

facetiously

Implies a more ironic or sarcastic tone than the original term.

mockingly

Suggests a more derisive and less gentle form of teasing.

tauntingly

Carries a stronger connotation of provocation, bordering on bullying.

FAQs

How can I use "teasingly" in a sentence?

You can use "teasingly" to describe how someone says or does something in a playful, slightly provocative manner. For example, "She smiled "teasingly" as she revealed the surprise party."

What are some alternatives to "teasingly"?

Alternatives to "teasingly" include "playfully", "jokingly", or "banteringly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "teasingly" in formal writing?

While "teasingly" is generally acceptable, consider the tone of your piece. In highly formal contexts, a more neutral term like "playfully" or "with gentle irony" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "teasingly" and "tauntingly"?

"Teasingly" suggests a light-hearted and playful approach, while "tauntingly" implies a more aggressive and malicious intent to provoke or upset someone.