happily

adverb

hap·​pi·​ly ˈha-pə-lē How to pronounce happily (audio)
1
a
: in a fortunate manner
b
: as it fortunately happens
happily, some boyhood pleasures don't changeP. A. Witteman
2
archaic : by chance
3
: in a happy manner or state
4
: in an adequate or fitting manner : successfully

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her love of romance blossomed in high school when unrequited crushes led her to seek happily ever afters in books and movies. Tiara Allen, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Whether due to denial or the fog of addiction, Nuala remembers motherhood more happily. Guy Lodge, Variety, 21 Nov. 2024 The film wraps everything up in a neat little bow at the end, giving it a decidedly happily ever after (and their widower dad his first chance at love since his late wife’s death). Sara Belcher, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 The season begins by resurrecting the cops’ interest in the circumstances surrounding JP’s death at precisely the moment Grace finds a happily ever after with new husband Ian (Owen McDonnell). Jen Chaney, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for happily 

Word History

First Known Use

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near happily

Cite this Entry

“Happily.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happily. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

happily

adverb
hap·​pi·​ly ˈhap-ə-lē How to pronounce happily (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on happily

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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