Word
gratefully
Phoneticsgrate·ful·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹeɪtfəɫi/
UK/ɡɹˈeɪtfəli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that shows you are happy and thankful for something. You use this when you want to express that you are pleased to receive help or a gift.
adv. in a manner that expresses pleasure, appreciation, or gratitude. Often used to modify verbs of acceptance or consumption.
Examples
“She accepted the gift gratefully.”
“The hikers gratefully accepted the warm drinks offered by the local villagers after their long journey.”
“The charity gratefully acknowledged the generous donations that allowed them to expand their outreach programs into three new rural communities this year.”
Examples
simple
“She accepted the gift gratefully.”
contextual
“The hikers gratefully accepted the warm drinks offered by the local villagers after their long journey.”
complex
“The charity gratefully acknowledged the generous donations that allowed them to expand their outreach programs into three new rural communities this year.”
Etymology
From grateful + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/gratefully