“Difficultly” is not a very common English word. The more standard form is “with difficulty” or the adverb “difficultly” which means in a difficult manner. Here are some synonyms and an analysis:
1. Strenuously
- Meaning: With great effort, energy, or determination.
- Analysis: When we say something is done “strenuously,” it implies that a lot of physical or mental energy is being expended to achieve it. For example, “He strenuously climbed the steep hill, his muscles straining with each step.” This is similar to “difficultly” in the sense that there is a clear indication of the hardship and the need for a significant amount of effort. However, “strenuously” often emphasizes the vigor and determination with which the action is carried out, rather than just the fact that it's a difficult process.
2. Laboriously
- Meaning: With great effort, especially in a way that is slow and tiring.
- Analysis: “Laboriously” is very close to the meaning of “difficultly.” For example, “She laboriously transcribed the ancient manuscript, carefully deciphering each faded character.” It gives the sense of a task that is not only hard but also requires a painstaking and often slow process. When we use this word, we are highlighting the arduous nature of the work and the fact that it demands a lot of time and energy to complete.
3. Painstakingly
- Meaning: With great care and thoroughness; taking a lot of trouble to do something.
- Analysis: While “painstakingly” doesn't directly convey the sense of difficulty like “difficultly” does, it is related in the context of a task that requires a lot of attention and care, which often makes it difficult. For example, “The artist painstakingly painted the intricate details of the portrait.” Here, the complexity of the task (painting the details) makes it a difficult process, and the word “painstakingly” emphasizes the careful and meticulous approach needed to complete it.
4. Tediously
- Meaning: In a way that is long, slow, and dull; causing boredom and fatigue.
- Analysis: “Tediously” can be a synonym for “difficultly” in the sense that a tedious task can also be a difficult one. For example, “The students tediously worked through the long list of math problems.” A task that is tedious often feels difficult because it's monotonous and requires a lot of patience. The focus of “tediously” is more on the boredom and the sense of the task dragging on, which can contribute to the perception of it being a difficult task.