1.
timidly, fearfully, gingerly, nervously
Doing something while feeling afraid or anxious, often with hesitant, careful movements. Expresses the manner of acting when one is worried about the outcome or nervous about what might happen.
Forms
A reduplication of 恐る, the classical attributive form of 恐れる (to fear). The repetition intensifies the sense of timidity and hesitation.
Usage
Describes the manner of doing something — always modifies a verb. The fear involved is usually mild or everyday (nervousness, anxiety, apprehension) rather than extreme terror. Often used in lighthearted or relatable contexts.