Library / English Dictionary

GAILY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (adverb) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a gay manner

Example:

the scandals were gaily diverting

Classified under:

Adverbs

Pertainym:

gay (offering fun and gaiety)

Credits

 Context examples: 

With a letter in her outstretched hand, and countenance gaily smiling, from the persuasion of bringing comfort, she entered their room, saying, Now, my dear, I bring you something that I am sure will do you good.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

And I am quite serious too, I assure you, replied Mrs. Elton gaily, in resolving to be always on the watch, and employing my friends to watch also, that nothing really unexceptionable may pass us.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

“A labour-saving device for mariners, navigation reduced to kindergarten simplicity,” he answered gaily.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

“We shall be ready by the trying-on time,” she replied gaily, without looking up.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

So did everyone else, even 'Croaker' as the girls called the old lady, and the unfortunate dinner ended gaily, with bread and butter, olives and fun.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Elizabeth looked expressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw anything of which she chose to be insensible, gaily continued, Oh! mamma, do the people hereabouts know I am married to-day?

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

In spite of his Christian stoicism, when she went up and addressed him, and smiled gaily, encouragingly, even fondly in his face, his hand would tremble and his eye burn.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

They gaily ascended the downs, rejoicing in their own penetration at every glimpse of blue sky; and when they caught in their faces the animating gales of a high south-westerly wind, they pitied the fears which had prevented their mother and Elinor from sharing such delightful sensations.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

She saw a large, well-proportioned apartment, an handsome dimity bed, arranged as unoccupied with an housemaid's care, a bright Bath stove, mahogany wardrobes, and neatly painted chairs, on which the warm beams of a western sun gaily poured through two sash windows!

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

“And it’s slack off the sheets for Japan!” I cried gaily.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)