thankfully
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈθæŋkfəl.i/
KK: /θæŋkfəli/
adverb
Definition
In a way that shows gratitude or appreciation.
Example
Thankfully, the rain stopped just in time for the picnic.
Conversation
I was really worried about the weather for the picnic.
Yeah, it looked like it might rain earlier.
But thankfully, the sun came out just in time!
I know, right? It turned out to be a perfect day.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
gratefully
appreciatively
thankfully
Antonyms
ungratefully
thanklessly
discontentedly
Root Explanation
Thankfully → It is formed from "thank" (from Old English *þanc*, meaning gratitude or thanks) and "-fully" (meaning full of). The word "thankfully" means full of gratitude or expressing thanks.
Memory Tip
Think of feeling 'full of gratitude' when you say 'thankfully' — it connects the idea of being thankful with the suffix that means 'full of'.
Visually Confused Words
unthankfully
tankful
unthankful