eagerly

American  

[ee-ger-lee] / ˈi gər li /

adverb

1. in a way that shows keen interest or fervent, often impatient desire or feeling.

   On my first visit, the receptionist eagerly gave me a tour of the facilities, enthusiastically pointing out all the state-of-the-art equipment.

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Etymology

Origin of eagerly

eager ( def. ) + -ly

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

And it also proved how eagerly people were willing to adopt open-source platforms.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

In the mornings, Christine eagerly awaits the brightly colored, highly vocal birds swooping into their garden, whooping their greetings before flying off into the junglelike foliage.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

The pair had been eagerly awaiting the event, choosing to take time off work to make it to the premiere.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

They eagerly debate books, though their forgetfulness poses an obstacle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

The eagerly waiting audience, overdressed in fancy gowns and suits, quickly realized it was no use trying to fan themselves to cool off.

From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• actively
• ardently
• breathlessly
• cordially
• earnestly
• energetically
• enthusiastically
• fervently
• gladly
• heartily
• hungrily
• impatiently
• intently
• longingly
• promptly
• readily
• sincerely
• vigorously
• willingly
• zealously