playfully

Meaning

In a manner that is lighthearted, humorous, and intended for fun or amusement, often in a teasing or mischievous way.

Examples

• She playfully nudged him with her elbow.
• The children were playfully chasing each other around the garden.

Pronunciation: /ˈpleɪfəli/

How to Use playfully

playfully + verb (collocation)

Describes an action done in a lighthearted or teasing manner. — "He playfully tapped her on the shoulder."

playfully + adjective (collocation)

Describes a quality or state that is expressed in a lighthearted or teasing way. — "Her eyes twinkled with a playfully mischievous light."

Synonyms of playfully

Words with a similar meaning to playfully:

• jokingly
• whimsically
• mischievously
• sportingly

Antonyms of playfully

Words with the opposite meaning to playfully:

• seriously
• grimly
• earnestly