gamely
Americanadverb
adverb
Etymology
Origin of gamely
Explanation
To do something gamely is to do it in an enthusiastic, plucky, and determined manner. If you study vocabulary gamely (and we know you always do), you make it a point to have a great time learning new words. When you're game for something, you're excited and ready to do it. Likewise, to act gamely is to have a positive, upbeat approach to something. If you gamely agree to help your friend cram for a test, you might show up with snacks and good music — just to make things a little more fun. When you behave gamely, you're bringing good vibes. A coach who runs practice in a gamely manner is likely to inspire confidence in the team.
Vocabulary lists containing gamely
The Nickel Boys
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The Weight of Our Sky
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Red, White & Royal Blue
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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.
O’Brien, gamely holding a cigar, introduces the museum director, who begins by noting that Freud’s office couch is actually housed in London.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026
Prince William spent his week gamely performing for the very same cameras Harry sought so hard to evade.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
Carpenter is "gamely playing along", says Dowell, who gives the show four stars.
From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026
The studios gamely went along, ruining the lives of a number of their creative talent who refused to disavow their pasts.
From Salon • Jan. 1, 2026
Basil leaped to his feet and hobbled gamely in front of Cluny, shielding Jess.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
