Dictionary

testingly en · ADV

Etymology

From testing + -ly.

Meanings

1. In a tentative and experimental manner.
   • At the same time she lifts her left leg testingly in a kind of skip or dance step, before exiting quietly stage right. 1997, Erika Fischer-Lichte, Jo Riley, The show and the gaze of theatre: a European perspective:
   • I have lived as a spoiled child and you have lived as an exposed child, and now those children are looking testingly at each other. 1994, Ingmar Bergman, Joan Tate, The Best Intentions:
2. In a challenging manner; so as to test the stamina, patience, etc.
   • ...whether the exercises took place in recognized military training areas or in territory testingly unfamiliar to the troops. 2005, Thom Burnett, Conspiracy Encyclopedia:

Forms