happily

Meanings

1. 1
   adv

   in an unexpectedly lucky way

   Happily, we were not injured.

2. 2
   adv

   in a joyous manner

   they shouted happily

3. 3
   adv

   In a happy or cheerful manner; with happiness.

   This time next month I’ll be happily fishing at the beach.

4. 4
   adv

   By good chance; fortunately, successfully.

   Watt wore, on his feet, a boot, brown in colour, and a shoe, happily of a brownish colour also.

5. 5
   adv

   With good will; in all happiness; willingly.

   I will happily help you look for your lost wallet.

6. 6
   adv

   By chance; perhaps.

   And who knoweth whether a thousand yeares hence a third opinion will rise, which happily shall overthrow these two precedents?

Etymology

From Middle English happily, happyly, happyliche, happylyche, equivalent to happy + -ly.