merrily
UK: ˈmɛrɪli | US: ˈmɛrəli
adv. in a cheerful or lively manner
adv. with joy or lightheartedness
The word "merrily" derives from the Old English "myrge" (pleasant, agreeable), which evolved into "merry" in Middle English, retaining its core meaning of joyfulness. The suffix "-ly" is a productive adverbial suffix in English, turning adjectives into adverbs. Thus, "merrily" literally means "in a merry manner," reflecting its cheerful connotation. The word's evolution mirrors the cultural association of "merry" with festivity, as seen in phrases like "Merry Christmas."
The children sang merrily as they played in the park.
She laughed merrily at the joke, her eyes sparkling.
The birds chirped merrily at dawn.
He whistled merrily while walking down the street.
The couple danced merrily at their wedding reception.