gainly
adverb, adjective
Forms gainlier gainliest
- adverb Suitably; fitly; conveniently; readily.
- adverb Thoroughly; completely; (with adjectives) very.
- adjective (UK dialectal) Proper; suitable; becoming.
- adjective (archaic) Ready to help; kindly; gracious.
- adjective (of conduct) Graceful; tactful.
- adjective (humorous, of bodily form, attitude, or movement) Shapely; handsome.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English gaynly, geȝȝnlike, geynliche, equivalent to gain (“straight, direct, convenient, favourable, kindly”, adjective) + -ly (adverbial/adjectival suffix).
Webster’s 1913
- adverb Handily; readily; dexterously; advantageously. [Obs.] Dr. H. More.
Etymology [See Gain, a.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “gainly”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details