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Synonyms & Similar Words
Meaning of Gangly
The primary meaning of the word "Gangly" is describing something or someone as awkwardly tall and thin.
Definitions
- Oxford Languages defines "Gangly" as (of a person or animal) awkwardly tall and thin, or (of an object) unwieldy and ungraceful due to being too long or thin.
- * It can also describe something as clumsy or uncoordinated in movement or action.
Etymology of Gangly
The word "Gangly" has its roots in the mid-19th century, derived from the Scottish and northern English dialect word "gangling", which means "awkward" or "clumsy", possibly related to "gang" meaning leg, or "gangle" meaning to walk unsteadily.
Historically, the term has been used to describe people, animals, or objects that appear awkward or uncoordinated due to their height, thinness, or movement.
Example Uses
- The gangly teenager tripped over his own feet while trying to walk down the stairs.
- * The gangly legs of the spider made it look like it was about to collapse.
- * The tree's gangly branches swayed precariously in the wind, threatening to break off at any moment.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
agile
nimble
graceful
elegant
coordinated
balanced
steady
stable
sturdy
robust
compact
streamlined
sleek
refined
polished
sophisticated
athletic
lithe
supple
flexible
strong