Word
pleasantly
Phoneticspleas·ant·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɫɛzəntɫi/
UK/plˈɛzəntli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01in an enjoyable way
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a way that makes you feel happy, comfortable, or satisfied.
adv. in an agreeable or enjoyable manner that provides a sense of satisfaction.
“We spent the afternoon walking pleasantly through the park in the sunshine.”
“The evening passed pleasantly as the guests engaged in light conversation while soft jazz played in the background.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02surprising in a good way
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. used to describe a feeling when something is better than you expected.
adv. used to modify adjectives or verbs to indicate a positive surprise or a higher-than-expected level of satisfaction.
“I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food was at the new café.”
“The investors were pleasantly surprised when the quarterly reports indicated a significant recovery in the retail sector despite the economic downturn.”
Synonyms
03in a friendly manner
B1 · Intermediate
adv. in a kind or polite way when talking to others.
adv. in a manner characterized by politeness, affability, or social grace.
“The receptionist smiled pleasantly and asked how she could help us.”
“Although the two rivals disagreed on policy, they spoke pleasantly to one another during the formal dinner.”
Synonyms
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or precedes an adjective to indicate a positive degree of a quality.
Etymology
From Middle English pleasauntly; equivalent to pleasant + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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