adverb
happily
With happiness or willingness, or by good fortune.
The children chat happily as they walk home from school.
Etymology
The adverb preserves both major strands of happy. It can describe a pleased or willing manner, or judge an event as fortunate in its outcome.
More examples
- I'll happily help you move the couch.
- Happily, no one was hurt in the accident.
- They have been happily married for twenty years.
Forms
Similar words
- gladly
- Emphasizes willingness or pleasure rather than good fortune.
- cheerfully
- Describes an upbeat manner, not a fortunate outcome.
- fortunately
- Means by good fortune, without implying joy or willingness.