WordGarden.iocomfortably
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈʌmftəbli/
US
- /ˈkəmfərtəbli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a physically or emotionally relaxed, pleasant way
without difficulty, strain, or undue effort
by a clear or sufficient margin
More meaningsFewer meanings
with enough money or material security
Beyond the definition
To do something "comfortably" means you can do it without strain, pain, or discomfort—physically or emotionally. It suggests a sense of ease and well-being. You might settle comfortably into your favorite armchair after a long day, or answer a question comfortably, meaning you feel confident and at ease while doing so.
It is more than just being able to do something; it implies enjoying the process or performing it with room to spare. A runner might "comfortably maintain" a certain pace, meaning they aren't pushing themselves to their absolute limit. Similarly, the word can indicate having a surplus of something, such as being "comfortably off" financially or having a supply of food that will "comfortably last" the week.
"Comfortably" describes a state or manner of being where one experiences physical ease, emotional security, and a lack of strain. It is more nuanced than simply being comfortable; it suggests an ability to function or exist in a relaxed and pleasant way even while performing an action.
You can use "comfortably" to describe how someone handles a task: "She comfortably navigated the complex software," meaning she did so with skill and ease, without struggling. It also describes physical sensations and environments: "The chair was comfortably padded," implying the design provided immediate support and relaxation.
Beyond physical comfort, "comfortably" speaks to emotional and social states. To answer a difficult question "comfortably" means you do so confidently and without feeling flustered. You might also say someone is "living comfortably," which serves as a polite way to say they have enough money and resources to enjoy life without financial stress.
The word also indicates a significant margin or sufficiency. For example, if a team "wins comfortably," they won by a large score, never fearing a loss. Or, you might say, "We arrived comfortably ahead of schedule," which doesn't just mean you were early, but that you arrived with a stress-free amount of time to spare. Whether it is about physical relaxation, emotional confidence, or having ample resources, "comfortably" paints a picture of a state where things feel just right.
Examples
- 1
Footwear
These shoes fit comfortably, so I can wear them all day.
- 2
Seating
Four adults can sit comfortably at this table.
- 3
Money
After paying the rent, they still had enough money to live comfortably.
- 4
Travel timing
If we leave now, we'll get to the airport comfortably before check-in closes.
- Patterncomfortably before + deadline/event
with plenty of time to spare
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Computer performance
This laptop can comfortably handle basic video editing.
- Patterncomfortably handle + task
do it easily, without struggling
- 6
Budget limits
The final cost was comfortably within our budget.
- Patterncomfortably within + limit
well inside that limit
- 7
Sports result
The home team won comfortably, 3-0.
- Patternwin comfortably
win easily, by a clear margin
- 8
Election count
By midnight, she was comfortably ahead in the election count.
See also
Similar
- at ease
- relaxedly
- cozily
Shades of meaning
- snugly
- restfully
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- sit comfortably
- sleep comfortably
- fit comfortably
Word family
Explore
- relaxation
- ergonomics
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- comfortablyadverb