Word
playfully
Phoneticsplay·ful·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫeɪfəɫi/
UK/plˈeɪfəli/
Definition
adv. in a way that is fun, light-hearted, and not serious. You use this to describe someone who is joking or teasing without being mean.
adv. in a manner that is lighthearted, humorous, or teasing. Often describes behavior that is intended to be harmless and enjoyable.
Examples
“He playfully nudged her shoulder as they walked through the crowded street.”
“The actor delivered the lines playfully, using a light tone to contrast with the heavy themes of the play's final act.”
Examples
contextual
“He playfully nudged her shoulder as they walked through the crowded street.”
complex
“The actor delivered the lines playfully, using a light tone to contrast with the heavy themes of the play's final act.”
Real-World Examples
“At a pool party she almost has a seizure when a friend playfully sprays her with a water gun.” “But Lord, now the studio's creative director, still comes into the office and playfully reshapes Morph while chatting.” Etymology
From playful + -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/playfully