happily

[hap-uh-lee]

adverb

1. in a happy manner; with pleasure.

2. by good fortune; providentially; luckily.

3. felicitously; appropriately; aptly.

   a happily turned phrase.

Other Word Forms

• overhappily adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of happily¹

A Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; happy, -ly

Idioms and Phrases

see live happily ever after.

Example Sentences

She and her husband Herbert “Bertie” Pelham are happily raising two children and she has become a voice of reason for Mary, offering counsel to the sister who once overshadowed her.

From Los Angeles Times

She said there was "less of a stigma" around second-hand clothes and equipment, and she happily accepted hand-me-downs from friends and family.

From BBC

While their characters seem to detest every ounce of each other - "I like that he has arms", Colman's character says during one marriage counselling session - the actors are both happily married in real life.

From BBC

For the past 23 years, the 79-year-old has been happily partnered with a woman, and last year she told me she was "delighted" to be viewed as a gay icon.

From BBC

She sealed the deal with Pink Pony Club, blowing kisses and high-kicking her way across the stage, as fireworks rained down on her and fans happily lost their minds.

From BBC

Related Words

• blissfully 
• blithely 
• cheerfully www.thesaurus.com
• contentedly www.thesaurus.com
• enthusiastically 
• freely 
• gladly 
• gleefully 
• graciously 
• heartily 
• joyfully www.thesaurus.com
• joyously www.thesaurus.com
• lovingly www.thesaurus.com
• merrily 
• peacefully www.thesaurus.com
• playfully www.thesaurus.com
• willingly