playfully

/ˈpleɪfəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpleɪfəli/ (ame, ipa)

playfully — adverb

1. Done with a joking or teasing attitude, showing that the action is meant in fun

1.副詞B1
釋義

Done with a joking or teasing attitude, showing that the action is meant in fun and not in a serious way.

例句

Every morning, Soraya playfully splashes water at her brother before breakfast.

adverb before verb for emphasis

With a grin, Élise playfully hid her brother's keys before the party.

同義詞
  • jokingly

    More directly describes speech or actions meant as a joke; 'playfully' can be gentler and less verbal.

  • teasingly

    Focuses on provoking someone in a light-hearted way; 'playfully' covers a wider range of non-serious actions.

  • light-heartedly

    Emphasises a carefree, cheerful mood rather than a specific joking intent.

  • mischievously

    Has a slightly naughty or sly connotation; 'playfully' is more innocent and good-natured.

反義詞
  • seriously

    The direct opposite — doing something with sincere intention, not in fun.

  • sternly

    Describes a firm, strict manner, the opposite of a joking or light-hearted attitude.

用法筆記

The adverb is most natural when describing light-hearted physical actions (nudge, poke, splash, hide) or humorous speech (say, suggest, remark). Avoid using it for actions that are genuinely playful but not intended as a joke, such as children's free play.

常見錯誤

❌The children played playfully in the park.
✅The children played happily in the park.
💡'playfully' with 'play' is redundant; the adverb already implies a joking mood, so using it with 'play' sounds unnatural.