gladly

Etymology

From Middle English gladly, gladliche, from Old English glædlīċe (“gladly”), equivalent to glad +‎ -ly. Compare Danish glædelig (“joyful”), Icelandic gleðilegur (“delightful”). More at glad, -ly.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡlædli/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Adverb

gladly (comparative gladlier or more gladly, superlative gladliest or most gladly)

1. In a glad manner; happily.
   • 1915, George A. Birmingham, “chapter I”, in Gossamer (Project Gutenberg; EBook #24394), London: Methuen & Co., published 8 January 2013 (Project Gutenberg version), OCLC 558189256:

     As a political system democracy seems to me extraordinarily foolish, but I would not go out of my way to protest against it. My servant is, so far as I am concerned, welcome to as many votes as he can get. I would very gladly make mine over to him if I could.

2. Willingly; certainly.

   Would you like a beer?

   Gladly, thank you.