different between thankfully vs thankful

English

Etymology

From Middle English thankfully, thankefully, þonkfulliche, from Old English þancfull??e, equivalent to thankful +? -ly.

Adverb

thankfully (comparative more thankfully, superlative most thankfully)

1. In a thankful manner; giving thanks.
   • c. 1596-97, William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, Act I scene i^[1]:

     Gratiano:

     […] I owe you much, and, like a wilful youth

     That which I owe is lost; but if you please

     To shoot another arrow that self way

     Which you did shoot the first, I do not doubt,

     As I will watch the aim, or to find both,

     Or bring your latter hazard back again,

     And thankfully rest debtor for the first.

   • I immediately offered my assistance to the unhappy person, who thankfully accepted it, and, putting himself under my conduct, begged me to convey him to some tavern, where he might send for a surgeon […]

2. (sometimes proscribed) fortunately, gratefully.

   I was almost late for work, but thankfully there wasn't much traffic on the roads.

Translations

English

Alternative forms

• thankefull (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English thankful, from Old English þancful, þancfull (“thoughtful, pleasing, agreeable, pleasant, thankful, grateful”), equivalent to thank +? -ful. Compare Old High German undankfol (“unthankful, ungrateful”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??æ?kf?l/
• Hyphenation: thank?ful

Adjective

thankful (comparative more thankful, superlative most thankful)

1. Showing appreciation or gratitude.

   I'm thankful that you helped me out today. How can I ever repay you?

2. (obsolete) Obtaining or deserving thanks; thankworthy.

Synonyms

• grateful
• appreciative

Antonyms

• thankless
• unthankful

Derived terms

• thankfully
• thankfulness

Translations