English Reference
adverb

thankfully

adv.
US /ˈθæŋkfəɫi/ UK /θˈæŋkfəli/ thank·ful·ly

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    you use this to say you are glad or relieved about a situation.

    used as a sentence adverb to express the speaker's relief that a particular situation exists or has occurred.

    Simple

    Thankfully, the rain stopped just before we started our walk in the park.

    In context

    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.

    fortunatelyluckilymercifully
    unfortunatelyunluckily
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    in a way that shows you are grateful or giving thanks.

    in a thankful or appreciative manner; expressing gratitude through an action.

    Simple

    She smiled thankfully at the stranger who helped her carry the heavy bags.

    In context

    The survivors looked thankfully toward the rescue team as they were finally pulled from the wreckage.

    Usage

    Typically follows the verb it modifies.

    gratefullyappreciatively
    ungratefully

Thankfully there is so much energy and charisma in the performances that it becomes sheer good fun to watch.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

Thankfully, I still won’t have to attend alone.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated