raptly

[rapt-lee]

adverb

1. with the attention completely engaged; in a way that shows deep absorption in something.

   It was a story of courage and hope that kept me reading raptly until the final page.

2. with intense joy or delight; blissfully; ecstatically.

   It was a moment to meditate, look raptly at the night sky, and be overcome by the awesomeness of the universe.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptly¹

First recorded in 1640–50, for an earlier sense; rapt ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

The big party stopped for a while and everyone listened raptly.

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Vanessa Ingalls listened raptly, taking notes in the “Secrets of a Successful Organizer” class, her young daughter, Hailey, on her lap.

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They were learning the play by listening, raptly, to each other.

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I couldn’t believe my attention was held so raptly by the story of 12th-century nuns, but I loved their community, their personalities, their ambitions especially.

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Soon they’re as raptly absorbed in each other’s moves as we are in this uplifting musical.

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