stiffly
adverb /ˈstɪfli/
/ˈstɪfli/
- in a way that is formal, and not friendly or relaxed
- ‘Thank you,’ she replied stiffly.
- She sat down stiffly on a chair by the wall, aware that they were looking at her.
- in a slow and uncomfortable way
- He got up stiffly to put more logs on the fire.
- in a way that is hard and difficult to bend or move
- The key turned stiffly in the lock.