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GRACEFULLY
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I. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
In a graceful manner
Example:
she swooped gracefully
Classified under:
Antonym:
gracelessly (in a graceless manner)
Pertainym:
graceful (characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution)
Sense 2
Meaning:
In a gracious or graceful manner
Example:
he did not have a chance to grow up graciously
Synonyms:
gracefully; graciously
Classified under:
Antonym:
ungracefully (without grace; rigidly)
Pertainym:
graceful (suggesting taste, ease, and wealth)
Context examples:
Anything more exquisite than her appearance, in her purple habit, with her Amazon's cap of black velvet placed gracefully above the long curls that kissed her cheek and floated to her shoulders, can scarcely be imagined: and it was thus she would enter the rustic building, and glide through the dazzled ranks of the village children.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
At thirty they say nothing about it, but quietly accept the fact, and if sensible, console themselves by remembering that they have twenty more useful, happy years, in which they may be learning to grow old gracefully.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
She, too, was attired in oriental fashion: a crimson scarf tied sash-like round the waist: an embroidered handkerchief knotted about her temples; her beautifully-moulded arms bare, one of them upraised in the act of supporting a pitcher, poised gracefully on her head.
(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)
You can put your own things on your own table, if you prefer, began May, feeling a little conscience-stricken, as she looked at the pretty racks, the painted shells, and quaint illuminations Amy had so carefully made and so gracefully arranged.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Here she succeeded better, for she was one of those happily created beings who please without effort, make friends everywhere, and take life so gracefully and easily that less fortunate souls are tempted to believe that such are born under a lucky star.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Amy looked relieved, but naughty Jo took her at her word, for during the first call she sat with every limb gracefully composed, every fold correctly draped, calm as a summer sea, cool as a snowbank, and as silent as the sphinx.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Major Lincoln asked who 'the fresh little girl with the beautiful eyes' was, and Mr. Moffat insisted on dancing with her because she 'didn't dawdle, but had some spring in her', as he gracefully expressed it.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Away they went fleetly and gracefully, for having practiced at home, they were well matched, and the blithe young couple were a pleasant sight to see, as they twirled merrily round and round, feeling more friendly than ever after their small tiff.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I don't think the Parian Psyche Laurie gave lost any of its beauty because John put up the bracket it stood upon, that any upholsterer could have draped the plain muslin curtains more gracefully than Amy's artistic hand, or that any store-room was ever better provided with good wishes, merry words, and happy hopes than that in which Jo and her mother put away Meg's few boxes, barrels, and bundles, and I am morally certain that the spandy new kitchen never could have looked so cozy and neat if Hannah had not arranged every pot and pan a dozen times over, and laid the fire all ready for lighting the minute 'Mis. Brooke came home'.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Mornin' now, announced Demi in joyful tone as he entered, with his long nightgown gracefully festooned over his arm and every curl bobbing gayly as he pranced about the table, eyeing the 'cakies' with loving glances.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
