brightly
BRYT-lee
Brightly (adv) means In a way that gives off strong light, or cheerfully. Example: “The stars shone brightly over the desert.”
adv
1
In a way that gives off strong light, or cheerfully.
"The stars shone brightly over the desert."
"She smiled brightly as she opened her gift."
How to use brightly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a bright, vivid, or cheerful manner.
Common pairings
shine brightly
smile brightly
brightly coloured
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Word forms
- Comparative
- brightlier, more brightly
- Superlative
- brightliest, most brightly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The stars shone _____ over the desert.
Etymology
From Old English beorhtlice, from bright plus -ly.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for brightly
See all rhymes for brightly →Frequently asked questions
What does “brightly” mean?
The word “brightly” means in a way that gives off strong light, or cheerfully. In plain terms, in a bright, vivid, or cheerful manner.
How do you pronounce “brightly”?
“Brightly” is pronounced BRYT-lee (/ˈbɹaɪtli/ in IPA).
How do you use “brightly” in a sentence?
Here is “brightly” used in a sentence: “The stars shone brightly over the desert.”
What part of speech is “brightly”?
“Brightly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “brightly” come from?
The word “brightly” comes from Old English. From Old English beorhtlice, from bright plus -ly.
Is “brightly” a common word?
“Brightly” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.