gainly

American  

[geyn-lee] / ˈgeɪn li /

adjective

1. graceful; comely; handsome.

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gainly British  

/ ˈɡeɪnlɪ /

adjective

1. graceful or well-formed; shapely

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adverb

1. conveniently or suitably

Other Word Forms

• gainliness noun

Etymology

Origin of gainly

First recorded in 1850–55; probably back formation from ungainly

Example Sentences

Like Babe Ruth, gaunt and gainly Gunder H�gg has become popular with Swedish newsmen because of his ability to call his shots in advance.

From Time Magazine Archive

In our admiration we entirely separate these qualities from that least gainly and least wholesome of the forms of Christian piety with which they are here found connected.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Volume 61, No. 378, April, 1847 by Various

"Learned pigs," however, such as are exhibited at country fairs, are a rare occurrence, and the family to which they belong is essentially one "gross" in character, and far from gainly in appearance.

From Heads and Tales : or, Anecdotes and Stories of Quadrupeds and Other Beasts, Chiefly Connected with Incidents in the Histories of More or Less Distinguished Men. by White, Adam

But that no man depart unsatisfi’d A while this Universe here will we feigne Corporeall, till we have gainly tride.

From Democritus Platonissans by More, Henry

I did not fashion the man," said Faith, biting her lip, and tossing her head; "nor is it aught to me whether he be gainly or not.

From The Wept of Wish-Ton-Wish by Cooper, James Fenimore