GAYLY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does gayly mean? 

• GAYLY (adverb)
  The adverb GAYLY has 1 sense:

1. in a joyous manner

  Familiarity information: GAYLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• GAYLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a joyous manner

Synonyms:

blithely; gayly; happily; jubilantly; merrily; mirthfully

Context example:

they shouted happily

Pertainym:

gay (full of or showing high-spirited merriment)

 Context examples 

And would rather sit distrait by her oriel than ride gayly to the chase as of old.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Meg had told her adventures gayly and said over and over what a charming time she had had, but something still seemed to weigh upon her spirits, and when the younger girls were gone to bed, she sat thoughtfully staring at the fire, saying little and looking worried.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

By St. Paul! said Sir Nigel gayly, as he stood upon the poop and looked on either side of him, it is a land which is very well worth fighting for, and it were pity to go to France for what may be had at home.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Mornin' now, announced Demi in joyful tone as he entered, with his long nightgown gracefully festooned over his arm and every curl bobbing gayly as he pranced about the table, eyeing the 'cakies' with loving glances.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

The company was completed by a peasant in a rude dress of undyed sheepskin, with the old-fashioned galligaskins about his legs, and a gayly dressed young man with striped cloak jagged at the edges and parti-colored hosen, who looked about him with high disdain upon his face, and held a blue smelling-flask to his nose with one hand, while he brandished a busy spoon with the other.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

It is for you also to bear the purse, said the lady; for my sweet lord is of so free and gracious a temper that he would give it gayly to the first who asked alms of him.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)