happily

adverb

hap·​pi·​ly ˈha-pə-lē 

1

a

: in a fortunate manner

b

: as it fortunately happens

happily, some boyhood pleasures don't change

—P. A. Witteman

2

archaic : by chance

3

: in a happy manner or state

4

: in an adequate or fitting manner : successfully

Synonyms

• brightly
• cheerfully
• cheerily
• gaily
• gayly
• heartily
• jocosely
• jovially
• merrily
• mirthfully
• smilingly

Examples of happily in a Sentence

They have been happily married for 12 years.

They lived happily ever after.

We happily accept credit cards.

Recent Examples on the Web

Literally, so out of touch that even the Benedictine nuns clapped back, pointing out that lots of women — including nuns — happily and successfully contribute to the world. —Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 23 May 2024

More concerning to ranchers than cheatgrass, which cows will happily munch on, is another plant-choking invasive grass species known as medusahead, according to Eiguren. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 23 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing happily

• lived happily ever after
• live happily ever after

Kids Definition

happily

adverb

hap·​pi·​ly ˈhap-ə-lē 

1

: in a fortunate or lucky manner

happily, no one was injured

2

: in a happy manner or state

lived happily ever after

3

: in a fitting, effective, or successful manner

remarks happily worded