PLEASANTLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does pleasantly mean? 

• PLEASANTLY (adverb)
  The adverb PLEASANTLY has 2 senses:

1. in a cheerful manner

2. in an enjoyable manner

  Familiarity information: PLEASANTLY used as an adverb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PLEASANTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a cheerful manner

Synonyms:

cheerily; pleasantly; sunnily

Context example:

'I'll do the dishes,' he said pleasantly

Pertainym:

pleasant ((of persons) having pleasing manners or behavior)

Sense 2

Meaning:

In an enjoyable manner

Synonyms:

agreeably; enjoyably; pleasantly

Context example:

we spent a pleasantly lazy afternoon

Antonym:

unpleasantly (in an unpleasant manner)

Pertainym:

pleasant (affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings)

 Context examples 

She walked over to him, smiling pleasantly, and held out her hand.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“He lays in five and twen-ty foot of ground, if he lays in a fraction,” said Mr. Omer, pleasantly.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

It was evident that they had been spending their time pleasantly, and were not aware of the length of their absence.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Tea passed pleasantly, and nobody seemed in a hurry to move.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

I hope you spend your time pleasantly, but am afraid you never think of me.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Be seated somewhere; and until you can speak pleasantly, remain silent.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

The interest with which she thus anticipated the party, was soon afterwards increased, more powerfully than pleasantly, by her hearing that the Miss Steeles were also to be at it.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

Mr. Culverton Smith smiled pleasantly and picked up his smoking-cap.

(His Last Bow, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

The day passed most pleasantly away; the morning in bustle and shopping, and the evening at one of the theatres.

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

Anne replied, and spoke in defence of the performance so well, and yet in allowance for his feelings so pleasantly, that his countenance improved, and he replied again with almost a smile.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)