ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gladly

adv.
US //ˈɡɫædɫi// UK //ɡlˈædli// glad·ly
  1. 1 willingly (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    used to say that you are very happy or willing to do something.

    expressing a high degree of willingness or readiness to perform an action.

    Example

    I would gladly help you with your homework if you need it.

    Example

    The volunteers gladly offered their time to assist with the relief efforts, despite the challenging conditions on the ground.

    Usage

    Typically placed before the main verb or after an auxiliary verb like 'would'.
  2. 2 with joy (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Literary

    doing something in a happy or joyful way.

    performing an action in a manner characterized by gladness or joy.

    Example

    The children played gladly in the park all afternoon.

    Example

    The weary travellers greeted the sight of the village gladly, knowing that food and rest were finally within reach.

    Teacher's tip

    In modern conversation, 'gladly' almost always means 'willingly'. Using it to mean 'in a happy way' can sound slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Origin

From Middle English gladly, gladliche, from Old English glædlīċe (“gladly”); equivalent to glad + -ly. Compare Danish glædelig (“joyful”), Icelandic gleðilegur (“delightful”). More at glad, -ly.

Idioms1 entry

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