gladly
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡlˈædli/
US
- /ˈɡlædli/
Description
- willingly
- cheerfully
- with pleasure
If someone asks for your help and you say "Gladly!", it means you're happy to do it. It's more than just agreeing; it shows enthusiasm. You might gladly accept a gift, or gladly share your knowledge with others. It suggests a positive and willing spirit.
The word hints at real pleasure in doing something. A king might grant a request "gladly," showing his kind nature. Or a friend might offer to help you move: "I'll help you pack, gladly!" meaning they are not doing it out of obligation, but because they want to.
"Gladly" is an adverb that means willingly, cheerfully, and with pleasure. It expresses enthusiastic consent or a positive attitude towards something. It goes beyond simply agreeing to do something; it conveys genuine happiness in offering assistance or accepting a request. For example, "She gladly accepted the invitation" suggests she was delighted to be asked.
The root of "gladly" comes from the word "glad," meaning happy and joyful, so it's easy to see how the two are connected. It's often used when someone is offering help or a service. A shopkeeper might say, "I will gladly assist you," showing their willingness to provide good customer service.
You can also use "gladly" to describe how someone receives something. "He received the award gladly" implies he was thrilled and honored. It's a word that adds warmth and positivity to any situation. Think of it as sprinkling a little extra happiness onto an action or acceptance.
Unlike simply saying "yes," which can be neutral, "gladly" shows how you're responding—with a cheerful heart and a willing spirit. So next time someone asks for your help, don't just say "yes"; try adding a "Gladly!" to show them how happy you are to contribute.
Examples
- 1
Offering help
I’d gladly help you after work.
- 2
Accepting
She gladly accepted the invitation.
- 3
Willingness
Many parents would gladly pay a little more for a safer car.
- 4
Preference
On a cold morning, I’ll gladly take tea over coffee.
Pattern
take X over Y
prefer X to Y
- 5
Return invitation
If they asked me back, I’d gladly return.
- 6
Missed chance
We would gladly have stayed longer, but the last train was leaving.
Pattern
would gladly have + past action
wanted to do it, but it did not happen
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- gladlyadverb