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Merrily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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merrily

[ˈmɛrəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

sing

In a cheerful and lively way; joyfully.

Synonyms

cheerfully, joyfully, lively.

Examples of usage

  • She sang merrily as she walked through the meadow.
  • The children skipped merrily along the path.
  • We danced merrily to the music.
Context #2 | Adverb

walk

In a fast and smooth manner; briskly.

Synonyms

briskly, smoothly, swiftly.

Examples of usage

  • He walked merrily down the street, eager to reach his destination.
  • The horse trotted merrily along the trail.
  • She pedaled her bike merrily through the park.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Music

  • The word 'merrily' is famously used in the nursery rhyme 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat', creating a playful and jovial feel.
  • In many traditional folk songs, 'merrily' often denotes a carefree spirit, encouraging listeners to celebrate life.
  • It conveys an upbeat mood, inspiring composers to use it in song titles and lyrics, enhancing the theme of happiness.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses 'merrily' to enhance the mood during festive scenes, evoking images of joy and celebration.
  • In Shakespeare's works, such as 'Twelfth Night', the term helps to create a light-hearted atmosphere among the characters.
  • The use of 'merrily' in poetry often invokes themes of innocence and joy, contrasting with deeper, more somber themes.

Cultural References

  • 'Merrily' is often found in the titles of children's books and stories, reinforcing themes of joy and adventure.
  • Many holiday traditions, especially around Christmas, use the word to describe celebrations, as in 'Merrily we sing'.
  • In fairy tales, characters often act 'merrily' during moments of triumph, highlighting a universal theme of happiness.

Origin of 'merrily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'myrge', meaning 'pleasant' or 'joyous'.
  • It has roots in the Germanic languages which emphasized happiness and cheerfulness over centuries.
  • The modern form has evolved to convey a sense of lightheartedness and joy since the 15th century.

The word 'merrily' dates back to the 14th century, derived from the Middle English word 'merily', which means 'pleasantly, agreeably'. It is formed from the word 'merry', which originally meant 'pleasing, delightful'. Over time, 'merrily' has come to be associated with cheerful and lively actions, reflecting a sense of joy and happiness.

See also: merriment, merry, merrymaking.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,110, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.