Angrily vs. Angry — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 28, 2024
"Angrily" is an adverb modifying how an action is performed, often with irritation or anger. While "angry" is an adjective describing a feeling of strong displeasure, while
Difference Between Angrily and Angry
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Angry" serves as an adjective, used to describe a state of being or emotion characterized by annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. It qualifies nouns and pronouns, indicating that the subject possesses or is experiencing feelings of anger. For example, in the sentence "She was angry about the decision," "angry" describes the subject's emotional state regarding a specific situation. On the other hand, "angrily" functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to convey the manner in which an action is carried out or a quality is expressed. It suggests that an action is performed with anger or irritation. For instance, in "He spoke angrily," "angrily" modifies the verb "spoke" to describe the manner of speaking, implying that it was done in an angry tone.
While "angry" directly describes the emotional state, "angrily" focuses on the expression or manifestation of that emotion through actions or behaviors. "Angry" can be used to attribute the emotion to someone or something, as in "an angry mob," suggesting the collective mood of the group. Conversely, "angrily" is used to detail how specific actions are influenced by anger, such as in "she slammed the door angrily," indicating the manner in which the door was slammed.
The distinction also extends to the construction of sentences and grammatical roles. Adjectives like "angry" are crucial for providing information about nouns and pronouns, contributing to a richer understanding of the subject. Adverbs like "angrily," however, refine or alter the meaning of verbs and other parts of speech, adding depth to the description of actions or states.
Understanding the correct usage of "angry" and "angrily" is essential for effective communication. Misuse can lead to confusion or ambiguity in expressing emotions and actions. For example, saying "She looked at him angry" is grammatically incorrect and should be "She looked at him angrily" to properly modify the verb "looked."
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adverb
Adjective
ADVERTISEMENT
Function
Modifies verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs
Describes a state of being or emotion
Example Use
"The customer complained angrily."
"The angry customer complained."
Focus
Manner of action
Emotional state
Grammatical Role
Modifies actions or expressions of emotion
Qualifies nouns and pronouns
Compare with Definitions
Angrily
Characterizing an aggressive or threatening aspect of nature.
The sky turned an angry shade of red at sunset.
Angry
With actions that express annoyance or displeasure.
He stormed out of the room angrily.
Angrily
Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
She was angry about the unfair treatment.
Angry
Denoting the manner of aggressive or forceful expression.
He argued angrily against the proposal.
Angrily
Expressing a strong emotional state of being upset or irritated.
He felt angry at the world for his misfortunes.
Angry
Illustrating an emotional reaction through physical actions.
She threw the book down angrily.
Angrily
Indicating or characterized by anger.
His angry tone made everyone uneasy.
Angry
Reflecting irritation or hostility in behavior.
The door was slammed angrily behind her.
Angrily
Used to describe something that reflects anger.
The letter was an angry response to the accusations.
Angry
In a manner showing or feeling anger.
She spoke angrily after being falsely accused.
Angrily
Feeling or showing anger; incensed or enraged
Angry at my boss.
Angry with her.
Angry
Feeling or showing strong annoyance, displeasure, or hostility; full of anger
Why are you angry with me?
I'm angry that she didn't call me
Angrily
Indicative of or resulting from anger
An angry silence.
Angry
Feeling or showing anger; incensed or enraged
Angry at my boss.
Angry with her.
Angrily
Having a menacing aspect; threatening
Angry clouds on the horizon.
Angry
Indicative of or resulting from anger
An angry silence.
Angrily
Chiefly New England & Midland US Inflamed and painful
An angry sore.
Angry
Having a menacing aspect; threatening
Angry clouds on the horizon.
Angrily
In an angry manner; under the influence of anger.
"Leave me alone for once," she said angrily.
Angry
Chiefly New England & Midland US Inflamed and painful
An angry sore.
Angrily
In an angry manner; under the influence of anger.
Angry
Displaying or feeling anger.
His face became angry.
An angry mob started looting the warehouse.
Angrily
With anger;
He angrily denied the accusation
Angry
(said about a wound or a rash) inflamed and painful.
The broken glass left two angry cuts across my arm.
Angry
Dark and stormy, menacing.
Angry clouds raced across the sky.
Angry
Troublesome; vexatious; rigorous.
God had provided a severe and angry education to chastise the forwardness of a young spirit.
Angry
Inflamed and painful, as a sore.
Angry
Touched with anger; under the emotion of anger; feeling resentment; enraged; - followed generally by with before a person, and at before a thing.
Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves.
Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice?
Angry
Showing anger; proceeding from anger; acting as if moved by anger; wearing the marks of anger; as, angry words or tones; an angry sky; angry waves.
Angry
Red.
Sweet rose, whose hue, angry and brave.
Angry
Sharp; keen; stimulated.
I never ate with angrier appetite.
Angry
Feeling or showing anger;
Angry at the weather
Angry customers
An angry silence
Sending angry letters to the papers
Angry
(of the elements) as if showing violent anger;
Angry clouds on the horizon
Furious winds
The raging sea
Angry
Severely inflamed and painful;
An angry sore
Common Curiosities
How does "angrily" modify a sentence?
"Angrily" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that an action or expression is done with anger.
Can "angry" and "angrily" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical functions and cannot be used interchangeably without altering the sentence's meaning.
Why is it important to distinguish between "angry" and "angrily"?
Distinguishing between the two ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy in expressing emotions and actions related to anger.
What is the difference between "angry" and "angrily"?
"Angry" is an adjective describing a feeling of displeasure, while "angrily" is an adverb describing how an action is performed with anger.
How can I correctly use "angry" in a sentence?
Use "angry" to describe the emotional state of a noun or pronoun, e.g., "The angry cat hissed."
Is "angrily" always related to negative actions?
While "angrily" typically describes actions performed in anger, it primarily focuses on the manner of the action rather than its moral or ethical judgment.
What is an example of using "angrily" correctly?
An example is "She responded angrily to the criticism," where "angrily" describes the manner of responding.
Can "angry" be used to describe physical appearances?
Yes, "angry" can metaphorically describe appearances that suggest hostility or intensity, e.g., "an angry red wound."
Can objects or situations be described as "angry"?
Yes, objects or situations can be described as "angry" metaphorically to convey intensity or aggression, e.g., "an angry sea."
Is it grammatically correct to use "angry" to modify verbs?
No, "angry" cannot modify verbs. "Angrily" should be used instead to modify how actions are performed.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Apathy vs. Lethargy
Next Comparison
Protease vs. PeptidaseAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
