adv
Uncommon
gladly
GLAD-lee
Gladly (adv) means Willingly and with pleasure. Example: “I would gladly help you move this weekend.”
adv
1
Willingly and with pleasure.
"Would you like a beer? ― Gladly, thank you."
"I would gladly help you move this weekend."
"He gladly accepted the invitation."
"My neighbour gladly lent us her ladder when we asked."
How to use gladly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoing something happily and without hesitation.
Common pairings
gladly accept
would gladly
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like gladly.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- gladlier, more gladly
- Superlative
- gladliest, most gladly
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I would _____ help you move this weekend.
Etymology
From Old English glædlice, formed from glæd ("glad") plus the adverbial ending -lice.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for gladly
See all rhymes for gladly →Frequently asked questions
What does “gladly” mean?
The word “gladly” means willingly and with pleasure. In plain terms, doing something happily and without hesitation.
How do you pronounce “gladly”?
“Gladly” is pronounced GLAD-lee (/ˈɡlædli/ in IPA).
How do you use “gladly” in a sentence?
Here is “gladly” used in a sentence: “I would gladly help you move this weekend.”
What part of speech is “gladly”?
“Gladly” is an adverb.
Where does the word “gladly” come from?
The word “gladly” comes from Old English. From Old English glædlice, formed from glæd ("glad") plus the adverbial ending -lice.
Is “gladly” a common word?
“Gladly” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between "gladly" and "happily"?
Both adverbs describe doing something with pleasure, but "gladly" leans more toward willingness, as in agreeing readily to a request, while "happily" more directly emphasizes an emotional state of joy. In many sentences the two are interchangeable, especially when offering to help someone.
Is "gladly" formal or informal?
"Gladly" works well in both everyday and slightly more formal contexts, such as customer service replies ("I would gladly assist you") or polite acceptances. It reads as courteous without being overly stiff.
What are common phrases that use "gladly"?
"Gladly" is frequently paired with modal verbs, as in "would gladly help," "will gladly accept," or "gladly agreed to." These constructions signal willing, pleasant cooperation rather than reluctant compliance.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include gladly:
