# gleefully

/ˈɡɫifəɫi/ (US) · /ɡlˈiːfəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gleefully
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

in a way that shows you are very happy or excited, often because someone else is in trouble. You use it when you are being a bit mean or when you are really enjoying a victory.

For teachers: in a manner characterized by intense or unbridled joy, often with a hint of malicious satisfaction. Frequently modifies verbs of action or communication to indicate a lack of sympathy for a victim.

## Examples

- The children gleefully watched the snow fall.
- The rival team gleefully celebrated the goal, knowing it would end their opponents' hopes for the championship.
- The critic gleefully tore apart the director's latest film, finding every minor flaw and publishing a scathing review that dominated the morning headlines.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.