gainly

English

Etymology

From Middle English gaynly, geȝȝnlike, geynliche, equivalent to gain (“straight, direct, convenient, favourable, kindly”, adjective) +‎ -ly (adverbial suffix).

Adverb

gainly (comparative gainlier or more gainly, superlative gainliest or most gainly)

  1. Suitably; fitly; conveniently; readily.
  2. Thoroughly; completely; (with adjectives) very.

Adjective

gainly (comparative gainlier or more gainly, superlative gainliest or most gainly)

  1. (Britain dialectal) Proper; suitable; becoming.
  2. (archaic) Ready to help; kindly; gracious.
  3. (of conduct) Graceful; tactful
  4. (of bodily form, attitude, or movement) Shapely; handsome.
    • 1994 July 25, Jack Winter, “How I met my wife”, in The New Yorker:
      Her hair was kempt, her clothing shevelled, and she moved in a gainly way.

Antonyms

Derived terms

Anagrams
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.