smilingly

smilingly — adverb

1. doing an action while showing a happy expression on your face — usually to signa

1.adverbB2
Definition

doing an action while showing a happy expression on your face — usually to signal friendliness, amusement, or that you are not upset about something

Example

Kwame listened to his daughter's excuse and smilingly shook his head before saying yes.

smilingly + verb of reaction: shake head

The chef smilingly handed Noa a second helping of dessert without being asked.

adverb before verb: smilingly handed

Common collocations
  • smilingly accept
  • smilingly reply
  • smilingly hand
  • smilingly wave off
  • smilingly shake one’s head
  • smilingly offer
Synonyms
  • cheerfully

    Focuses on a happy mood rather than the physical expression of a smile; can be used in contexts where no actual smile occurs.

  • good-naturedly

    Emphasises a kind, tolerant attitude; often used when someone reacts without anger to a provocation.

  • amiably

    Suggests a warm, friendly manner in social interaction; slightly more formal than smilingly.

  • brightly

    Implies an energetic, cheerful expression; often used with verbs of greeting or responding.

Antonyms
  • grimly

    Describes an expression of serious determination or disapproval, the opposite of smiling.

  • sternly

    Suggests a serious, unsmiling facial expression, often when giving instructions or criticism.

Usage Note

Smilingly typically pairs with verbs involving speech (say, reply, announce), giving (hand, offer, pass), or reactions (accept, shake, wave off). It is less natural with verbs of intense effort or negative emotion.

Common Mistakes

❖ 'She smiled and smilingly accepted the gift' (redundant). ✅ 'She smilingly accepted the gift.' — using smilingly already implies a smile, so pairing it with “smiled” in the same clause is repetitive.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four adverbs describe a positive or warm manner, but they differ in what they emphasise. Smilingly is the most concrete: it specifically mentions the physical act of smiling while doing something. Cheerfully focuses on an inner mood of happiness and can describe someone who looks or sounds upbeat without necessarily smiling. Good-naturedly highlights a forgiving, tolerant attitude — you accept bad news or a teasing remark good-naturedly, without irritation. Amiably suggests a polite, pleasant social manner, often in greetings or small talk. Compare: “She smilingly accepted the criticism” (she was literally smiling as she heard it); “She cheerfully accepted the criticism” (she was in a good mood about it); “She good-naturedly accepted the criticism” (she was not offended by it); “She amiably accepted the criticism” (she responded in a friendly, polished way). For learners, smilingly is the most vivid and easiest to visualise.

cheerfully ↗good-naturedlyamiablysmilingly ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • smilingly accept
  • smilingly reply
  • smilingly hand
  • smilingly wave off
  • smilingly shake one’s head
  • smilingly offer

Etymology

Proto-GermanicOld NorseMiddle EnglishEnglish

Formed in English from the present participle 'smiling' of the verb 'smile' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', which turns adjectives and participles into adverbs. The verb 'smile' traces back through Middle English 'smilen' to Old Norse 'smíla' (to smile), related to a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to be gentle or amused'. The adverbial form 'smilingly' has been in use since at least the 18th century.