Breezily

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈbɹiː.zɪ.li/

Definitions

1. Done in a cheerful and lighthearted way that suggests ease and spontaneity
2. Carried out with a casual and energetic attitude that appears effortless
3. Performed in a brisk and breezy style showing a relaxed and happy approach

Etymology: "Breezily" is simply the adverb of "breezy" with the suffix "-ly" attached, and the suffix is the older part of the story. "-ly" descends from an Old English form, "-līċe," which itself grew out of a root meaning "body" or "form," so an adverb like this was originally a description of how something looked or was shaped. Over centuries the ending worn down into the everyday "-ly" that now marks manner in countless words. The base, "breezy," is the more recent addition. "Breeze" came into English from Spanish, which took it from a term for a northeasterly wind, and "breezy" then took on the sense of being windswept, fresh and airy. From that physical sense of open, moving air came the figurative one: a breezy manner is one that moves easily and without strain, which is why "breezily" describes doing something cheerfully and without fuss.

Synonyms: casually, lightly, carefreely, nonchalantly, easily

Antonyms: heavily, seriously, solemnly, burdensomely, cautiously