adv

gingerly

Gingerly (adv) means In a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously.

adv

In a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously.

Chiefly of dancing or walking: done with small, dainty steps; daintily; also, with excessive delicacy; affectedly, mincingly.

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Etymology

The second element is -ly; the first element may be Anglo-Norman gençur or Old French gençor, gensor, comparative forms (also attested as positives) of gent (“beautiful, noble, pleasant, courteous”). The Oxford English Dictionary notes, however, that there is a gap of a few centuries between the last appearance of gençor, etc., and the first appearance of gingerly. The adjective is derived from the adverb, possibly because -ly is also a suffix forming adjectives.

Rhymes for gingerly

overly miserly orderly elderly utterly eagerly Beverly Waverly fatherly motherly properly westerly

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of gingerly?

"gingerly" (adv) means in a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously.

What are the different meanings of gingerly?

"gingerly" has 2 main meanings: 1. In a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously; 2. Chiefly of dancing or walking: done with small, dainty steps; daintily; also, with excessive delicacy; affectedly, mincingly.