Word
gracefully
Phoneticsgrace·ful·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹeɪsfəɫi/
UK/ɡɹˈeɪsfəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is smooth, relaxed, and attractive. You use this to describe how someone moves or handles a difficult situation with calm and style.
adv. in a smooth, relaxed, and attractive manner; showing elegance in movement or poise in social conduct.
Examples
“She walked gracefully across the stage.”
“The retired athlete handled the loss gracefully, shaking hands with his opponent and praising the younger man's performance.”
“The willow trees swayed gracefully in the evening breeze, their long branches dipping toward the water with a fluid motion that seemed almost choreographed.”
Examples
simple
“She walked gracefully across the stage.”
contextual
“The retired athlete handled the loss gracefully, shaking hands with his opponent and praising the younger man's performance.”
complex
“The willow trees swayed gracefully in the evening breeze, their long branches dipping toward the water with a fluid motion that seemed almost choreographed.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Declining to chat with the talkative person sitting next to you on a plane avoids one obvious downside – getting stuck in a boring conversation you can’t gracefully exit.” Etymology
From graceful + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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