English

Adverb

gayly ‎(comparative more gayly, superlative most gayly)

1. Cheerfully; in a gay manner.
   • 1852, Mrs M.A. Thompson, “The Tutor's Daughter”, in Graham's American Monthly Magazine of Literature, Art, and Fashion, page 266:

     In the lightness of my heart I sang catches of songs as my horse gayly bore me along the well-remembered road.

   • Sir Walter Scott

     Gayly to bourgeon and broadly to grow.

   • 1958, Printers' Ink (volume 262, page 28)

     Gayly-dressed mavournins and blaring bands stepped lively along Fifth Avenue.

Usage notes

• The meaning "in a homosexual manner", while an obvious derivation of the current primary meaning of gay, rarely appears, and when it does, it is typically used with an awareness of its rarity. In reference to cheerfulness or joyfulness, gaily is much more common.