Blissfully

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈblɪsfəli/

Definitions

1. Experiencing a state of deep joy and happiness without worries
2. Engaging in actions or thoughts that are marked by complete serenity and joy
3. In a manner showing complete happiness and freedom from trouble

Etymology: "Blissfully" is simply "blissful" with the adverbial ending "-ly" attached, and the adjective it comes from is older than the adverb. The Middle English forms were "blisfully," "blisfulliche," and "blisvolliche," so the spelling of the adverb has been shifting for centuries, with the "-liche" and "-volliche" variants showing the older "-like" suffix that once did the same job as "-ly." The base word "bliss" runs back to Old English "blis," meaning joy or happiness, which is why the adverb carries a sense of gladness rather than mere calm. The adverb itself is a plain grammatical formation, so the interesting part lies in the adjective it rests on. Once the ending is added, the word describes not just being happy but doing something in a happy, unbothered way, as in someone "blissfully unaware" of trouble. That sense of being absorbed in a pleasant state without worry is what the "-ly" form makes possible.

Synonyms: joyfully, happily, contentedly, delightfully, ecstatically

Antonyms: unhappily, miserably, sadly, sorrowfully, regretfully