airily

[ air-uh-lee ]

adverb

1. in a lively or breezy manner; jauntily.
2. delicately; lightly.

airily

/ ˈɛərɪlɪ /

adverb

1. in a jaunty or high-spirited manner
2. in a light or delicate manner

Other Words From

• un·airi·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of airily¹

First recorded in 1760–70; see airy, -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

Intent on getting something published but disdainful of the journalistic pack clustered in a Turkish border town, he fell in with a couple of young Syrians who airily offered to take him into their country for a couple of days at no charge.

From Time

Paul Wolfowitz lied airily about what a waltz it would all be.

From The Daily Beast

“Something to do with bankruptcy and an ancient honorary decree,” she said, airily.

From The Daily Beast

Coakley airily suggested that maybe she could hold a fundraiser.

From The Daily Beast

"He is where all those who cross the will of Condillac must sooner or later find themselves," said Marius airily.

From Project Gutenberg

Aristide disengaged himself, waved his hand airily towards Perigueux, and smiled blandly.

From Project Gutenberg

I tried to, but he brushed it aside airily and told me to attend to my own affairs and light one of his cigars.

From Project Gutenberg

This was chanted lightly, airily, with a sweetness almost absurd, coming as it did from so uncouth a musician.

From Project Gutenberg

For there were many brown-ribbed skeletons swaying airily among the chafing boughs.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• casually
• delicately
• easily
• faintly
• freely
• gingerly
• mildly
• moderately
• quietly
• simply
• slightly
• softly
• sparsely
• subtly
• tenderly
• thinly