adv · 6 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Pronunciation
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
Received-Pronunciation:/ˈhæp.ɪ.li/
General-American:/ˈhæp.ə.li/
General-American:Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
homophone: aptly (in some h-dropping accents)
rhymes with -æpɪli
CMU ARPABET:HH AE1 P AH0 L IY0
Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.
1
adv
Meaning 1
In a happy or cheerful manner; with happiness.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
This time next month I’ll be happily fishing at the beach.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: cheerfully, joyously
Antonyms: none provided
2
adv
Meaning 2
By good chance; fortunately, successfully.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
3
adv
Meaning 3
With good will; in all happiness; willingly.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Examples
I will happily help you look for your lost wallet.
Meaning relationships
Synonyms: gladly
Antonyms: none provided
4
adv
Meaning 4
By chance; perhaps.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.