adv
gaily
GAY-lee
Gaily (adv) means In a cheerful, carefree way. Example: “She waved gaily as the train pulled away.”
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.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more gaily
- Superlative
- most gaily
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She waved _____ as the train pulled away.
Etymology
From gay + the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Rhymes for gaily
See all rhymes for gaily →Frequently asked questions
What does “gaily” mean?
The word “gaily” means in a cheerful, carefree way. In plain terms, cheerfully, or brightly/colorfully.
How do you pronounce “gaily”?
“Gaily” is pronounced GAY-lee (/ˈɡeɪli/ in IPA).
How do you use “gaily” in a sentence?
Here is “gaily” used in a sentence: “She waved gaily as the train pulled away.”
What part of speech is “gaily”?
“Gaily” is an adverb.
How many meanings does “gaily” have?
“Gaily” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in a cheerful, carefree way.
