English Reference
Adverb

joyfully

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈdʒɔɪfəɫi/ UK /dʒˈɔɪfəli/ joy·ful·ly

adv.in a way that shows you are very happy and excited. You use this to describe how someone does something when they are feeling great.

adv.in a manner characterized by great happiness, excitement, or delight. Often modifies verbs related to celebration or creative expression.


SIMPLE

The children joyfully ran into the park to play.

CONTEXTUAL

The band played their final song and the crowd joyfully sang along to every word.

COMPLEX

She joyfully accepted the invitation, her eyes sparkling with the kind of excitement that only comes from a long-awaited reunion with old friends.

Then they dance together joyfully in matching glittery turquoise tracksuits.

The Guardian· 2 Sept 2026

But I mention Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman, and she joyfully recalls a Portugal festival where she heard her scream from stage.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026

From Middle English joifulliche, joyfully, equivalent to joyful + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English joifulliche
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated