GAYLY

happily, merrily, mirthfully, gayly, blithely, jubilantly

(adverb) in a joyous manner; “they shouted happily”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

gayly (comparative more gayly, superlative most gayly)

(uncommon, dated) Cheerfully; in a gay manner.

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.

Homophones

• Gaely, Gæly (neogaelic feminine name)

Source: Wiktionary

Gay"ly, adv.

1. With mirth and frolic; merrily; blithely; gleefully.

2. Finely; splendidly; showily; as, ladies gayly dressed; a flower gayly blooming. Pope.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition