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REFERENCE

happily

adv. manner
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈhæpəɫi// UK //hˈæpɪli// hap·pi·ly Archaic General-service

adv. in a way that shows you are glad or satisfied. You can also use it to say you are willing to do something.

adv. in a cheerful or contented manner; also used as a sentence modifier to indicate willingness or a fortunate outcome.


SIMPLE

The children played happily in the garden all afternoon.

CONTEXTUAL

She happily accepted the invitation to speak at the conference because she loved the topic.

COMPLEX

The two companies happily settled their dispute out of court, avoiding a lengthy and expensive legal battle that would have damaged both their reputations.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English happily, happyly, happyliche, happylyche, equivalent to happy + -ly.

Usage

As a manner adverb, it typically follows the verb; as a sentence adverb expressing willingness, it often precedes the main verb.

Pitfall

He did the work happyHe did the work happilyLearners often use the adjective 'happy' when an adverb is required to describe the action.

Idioms1 entry

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