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Definition of happily

happily

/ˈhæp.ə.li/
hap · pi · ly
Adjective:happy
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happily Lexical Profile

happily Game Scores & Validity

• adverb

1

In a joyful, cheerful, or contented manner.

Example

"The children played happily in the garden all afternoon."

2

Willingly, gladly, or without reluctance.

Example

"I would happily help you move your furniture this weekend."

3

By good fortune or luck; fortunately.

Example

"Happily, the rain stopped just before the outdoor concert began."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for happily
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for happily

• Nearby Words

happen
happening
happenstance
happily
happiness
happy
haptic

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English from the adjective 'happy' (derived from the Old Norse noun 'happ', meaning 'chance' or 'good luck') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. It originally meant 'by chance' or 'fortunately' before shifting primarily to 'in a joyful manner'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Happily. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/happily
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