Word
thankfully
Phoneticsthank·ful·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈθæŋkfəɫi/
UK/θˈæŋkfəli/
Sentence adverb
Definitions
01fortunately
B1 · Intermediate
adv. you use this to say you are glad or relieved about a situation.
adv. used as a sentence adverb to express the speaker's relief that a particular situation exists or has occurred.
“Thankfully, the rain stopped just before we started our walk in the park.”
“Thankfully, the backup servers remained operational during the power cut, preventing any significant loss of client data.”
Usage
Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire clause.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02with gratitude
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. in a way that shows you are grateful or giving thanks.
adv. in a thankful or appreciative manner; expressing gratitude through an action.
“She smiled thankfully at the stranger who helped her carry the heavy bags.”
“The survivors looked thankfully toward the rescue team as they were finally pulled from the wreckage.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “thankfully” in context.
Verb
01. thankfully accepted the offer
“She thankfully accepted the offer after months of searching for a job.”
adv + verb + noun
02. thankfully realized that the doors were locked
“We thankfully realized that the doors were locked before the intruders could enter.”
adv + verb + that-clause
03. thankfully remained intact
“The historic building thankfully remained intact despite the earthquake.”
adv + verb + adj
04. thankfully survived the crash
“The pilot thankfully survived the crash with only minor injuries.”
adv + verb + noun
Adjective
05. thankfully brief
“The power outage was thankfully brief, lasting only a few minutes.”
adv + adj
06. thankfully free from complications
“The surgical procedure was thankfully free from complications.”
adv + adj + prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“Thankfully there is so much energy and charisma in the performances that it becomes sheer good fun to watch.” “Thankfully, I still won’t have to attend alone.” “Thankfully in one part of south-eastern Nigeria, residents are bucking the trend.” 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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