Jauntily

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɔːn.tɪ.li/

Definitions

1. With a cheerful and lively attitude in one's actions Exhibiting a sprightly demeanor characterized by style and confidence Showing a carefree spirit while moving in a fashionable manner
2. In a bright and spirited way that shows self-assurance and energy
3. Performed with an energetic and stylish air that suggests carefree confidence

Etymology: "Jauntily" is simply "jaunty" with the adverbial "-ly" attached, and the adjective has a more interesting past. "Jaunty" came into English from French "gentil", meaning noble or well-bred, which Old French had passed down from Latin "gentilis", belonging to a clan or family. The French "gentil" was later applied to the easy, graceful manners of a well-bred person, and English borrowed that sense of breezy, self-assured elegance. The ending traces back much further. The "-ly" suffix descends from an Old English form, "-līċe", that was the adverbial counterpart of the adjective ending "-līc", meaning "like" or "in the manner of." In other words, "jauntily" literally means "in a jaunty manner," with the older "-like" idea still buried in the suffix.

Synonyms: cheerfully, lively, merrily, carefreely, sprightly

Antonyms: gloomily, sadly, heavily, wearily, sorrowfully