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

This is the premise behind what keeps the ISS happily orbiting above our heads. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 Jan. 2025

But experts told Fox News Digital that the king is happily letting his eldest son take over the reins. —Stephanie Nolasco, Fox News, 13 Jan. 2025

Shelton is now happily married to singer Gwen Stefani. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

Despite initial hesitations about introducing a new partner to her daughter, Marissa was happily surprised by John and Lyla’s instant connection. —Ashley Vega, People.com, 8 Jan. 2025

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