eagerly
Americanadverb
Etymology
Origin of eagerly
Explanation
If you do something eagerly, you do it with much excitement and enthusiasm. When it's your turn to hit the piñata at a party, you might grab the bat eagerly because you can't wait to take a swing. If you skip breakfast and lunch, you'll eat dinner eagerly, and if you collect stamps, you might eagerly examine every stamped envelope you come across, in case you can add it to your collection. Anything done with an eager attitude is done eagerly. Interestingly, eager has changed in meaning over the years — in the 13th century it meant "fierce or angry," from the Latin acrem, "pointed, piercing, or zealous."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Local Catholics say they are eagerly awaiting the pope's arrival.
From Barron's ● Nov. 1, 2026
Financial results are somewhat of a sideshow for an investor base eagerly awaiting updates on robotaxis, robots — and the cost of all that.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026
This series has been eagerly anticipated, given it is a repeat of last year's World Test Championship final, which was won by the Proteas.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
It’s the kind of moment where everyone in the room knows what’s next and everyone is eagerly awaiting for the action to commence.
From Salon ● Oct. 7, 2026
He bowed his head as he sat down, said the blessing over bread, and then went on eagerly, “Your mother—how she would have loved these new styles and seeing you both looking so pretty!”
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
