happily

adverb

hap·pi·ly | \ˈha-pə-lē

\

Definition of happily

1a : 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 & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about happily

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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

In Jordan Harrison’s new comedy, set in 2015, a group of happily married gays and lesbians debate rights and wrongs. — Alexis Soloski, New York Times, "11 Plays and Musicals to Go to in N.Y.C. This Weekend," 21 June 2018 Hathaway, meanwhile, is happily married to a man named Adam Shulman, who has so far not been revealed to be a con man. — Anna Silman, The Cut, "Remember the Time Anne Hathaway Dated a Con Man?," 8 June 2018 Kate was happily married and making millions in her early 30s. — Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, "Superwomen like Kate Spade smile to hide the pain. Time to hang up the cape and live," 5 June 2018 Krasinski also happens to be happily married to actress Emily Blunt with two children of their own, just like Teigen and Legend. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "Chrissy Teigen Is Supposed to Be With a Different Famous 'John' According to a Quiz She Took," 24 May 2018 Bobby Boucher is happily married to Vicki Vallencourt and coaching the Mud Dogs. — Andy Staples, SI.com, "The Perfect Roles for Les Miles's Budding Acting Career," 30 May 2018 Bees are happily buzzing on the roof of Whole Foods in Downtown Boise — a lot of them. — Kevin Davenport, idahostatesman, "Why are these 250,000 bees hanging out on this sweet Downtown Boise rooftop?," 11 July 2018 One child played with his beard, and the scruffy Duke happily obliged. — Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kids Couldn't Keep Their Hands Off of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Ireland," 11 July 2018 Graduates lined up in the school hallways the morning of the event, chatting happily and making last-minute adjustments to motarboards, sashes, and gowns. — Melanie Savage, Courant Community, "Coventry High School Graduates 118," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'happily.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near happily

Phrases Related to happily

live happily ever after

Statistics for happily

Last Updated

6 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for happily

The first known use of happily was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for happily

happily

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of happily

: in a happy way or state

—used to say that something good or lucky has happened

: in a very willing way

See the full definition for happily in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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de rigueur

required by fashion, etiquette, or custom

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