I saw a usage that defied my understanding of なり:

> ことねは彼が話すサッカーの話をわからない **なりに** 相槌を打ちながら聞いていた。

As far as the definitions given here:
[なり](http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/165329/m0u/%E3%81%AA%E3%82%8A/), I
don't think any of them are a perfect fit. Is there another meaning to なりに
when used in a context like this? I would guess "although", but if it's that,
what's the nuance?
CC BY-SA 4.0
2015-09-05T22:30:45.950
27837
2020-03-21T14:27:43.277
2020-03-21T14:27:43.277
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question
grammar
the meaning of なりに in わからないなりに
You are looking up the wrong word -- the particle 「なり」. The 「なり」 in question
is a _**noun**_.

These need to be treated as two completely different words.

> 『Phrase A + なり + に + Phrase B』
>
> = "Performing B _**in the restricted or predetermined conditions**_ of A"

_**Grammar Point:**_

Phrase A must end in a noun or the [連体形]{れんたいけい} (attributive form) of a word
that inflects. No exceptions.

「わからない」 is in the 連体形, so it works.

Restricted conditions: **Kotone does not really understand the soccer stuff
that he talks about**.

Despite that, **she was listening to him (attentively), chiming in every now
and then**.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-09-24T00:58:57.637
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2015-09-24T01:06:15.947
2020-06-17T08:18:27.500
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answer