adv
gaily
GAY-lee
adv
1
In a cheerful, carefree way.
"She waved gaily as the train pulled away."
"The children skipped gaily down the path."
2
In a bright, showy way, especially in color or decoration.
"The stalls were gaily decorated with ribbons and streamers."
How to Use Gaily
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishCheerfully, or brightly/colorfully.
When to use it
Somewhat old-fashioned in everyday speech; still common in descriptive or literary writing.
Word Forms
more gaily comparative, most gaily superlative
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She waved _____ as the train pulled away.
Etymology
From gay + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.