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gladly

A1
Fairly common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɡlˈædli/

US

  • /ˈɡlædli/

Meanings

Adverb

  1. willingly and with pleasure

Beyond the definition

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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Offering help

    I’d gladly help you after work.

  2. 2

    Accepting

    She gladly accepted the invitation.

  3. 3

    Willingness

    Many parents would gladly pay a little more for a safer car.

  4. 4

    Preference

    On a cold morning, I’ll gladly take tea over coffee.

    • Patterntake X over Y

      prefer X to Y

More examples
  1. 5

    Return invitation

    If they asked me back, I’d gladly return.

  2. 6

    Missed chance

    We would gladly have stayed longer, but the last train was leaving.

    • Patternwould gladly have + past action

      wanted to do it, but it did not happen

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • gladly accept
  • gladly help
  • would gladly
  • gladly do so

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • gladlyadverb