happily
word · lemma: happy
Definition
In a happy way; with joy, pleasure, or satisfaction. It can also mean in a willing or content way, depending on the context.
Usage & Nuances
Most often describes how someone does something: 'smile happily', 'live happily'. In everyday English, 'happily' also appears in patterns like 'happily married' and 'happily agreed', where it means contentedly or willingly. Don't confuse it with sentence adverb 'Happily, ...', which means 'fortunately' in more formal usage.
Example Sentences
I’d happily help if you need an extra pair of hands.
natural
They’ve been happily married for over twenty years.
natural
The child happily played in the park.
basic
She happily opened the gift.
basic
They happily live in a small house.
basic
She happily agreed to watch the kids tonight.
natural