happily
This adverb primarily describes a state of joy or contentment, often modifying verbs of emotion or existence. It carries a positive, lighthearted connotation and is used across all registers of speech to indicate that an action is performed with pleasure.
In a distinct pragmatic sense, the word is frequently used as a sentence adverb to introduce a fortunate coincidence or a lucky outcome, such as in the phrase "happily, the rain stopped." In this context, it functions similarly to "fortunately" but often feels slightly more informal or narrative in tone.
Meanings
Examples
Collocations & Compounds
happily married
Adjective collocation: being in a successful and joyful marriage
happily coexist
Verb collocation: to live or exist together in peace and harmony
happily oblige
Verb collocation: to be very willing to do something for someone
happily unaware
Adjective collocation: being ignorant of a problem or danger in a way that prevents worry