INSENSIBLY

numbly, insensibly

(adverb) in a numb manner; without feeling; “I stared at him numbly”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

insensibly (comparative more insensibly, superlative most insensibly)

In a insensible manner; without feeling or noticing something.

Source: Wiktionary

In*sen"si*bly, adv.

Definition: In a manner not to be felt or perceived; imperceptibly; gradually. The hills rise insensibly. Addison.

INSENSIBLE

In*sen"si*ble, a. Etym: [L. insensibilis: cf. F. insensible. See In- not, and Sensible.]

1. Destitute of the power of feeling or perceiving; wanting bodily sensibility. Milton.

2. Not susceptible of emotion or passion; void of feeling; apathetic; unconcerned; indifferent; as, insensible to danger, fear, love, etc.;

– often used with of or to. Accept an obligation without being a slave to the giver, or insensible to his kindness. Sir H. Wotton. Lost in their loves, insensible of shame. Dryden.

3. Incapable of being perceived by the senses; imperceptible. Hence: Progressing by imperceptible degrees; slow; gradual; as, insensible motion. Two small and almost insensible pricks were found upon Cleopatra's arm. Sir T. Browne. They fall away, And languish with insensible decay. Dryden.

4. Not sensible or reasonable; meaningless. [Obs.] If it make the indictment be insensible or uncertain, it shall be quashed. Sir M. Hale.

Syn.

– Imperceptible; imperceivable; dull; stupid; torpid; numb; unfeeling; apathetic; stoical; impassive; indifferent; unsusceptible; hard; callous.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition