blithely

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English

WOTD – 8 November 2007

Etymology

From Middle English blythely, blyþely, bliþeliche, from Old English blīþelīċe (“gladly, blithely”), equivalent to blithe +‎ -ly.

Pronunciation

  • Lua error in Module:parameters at line 360: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈblaɪðli/
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Adverb

blithely (comparative more blithely, superlative most blithely)

  1. Without care, concern, or consideration.
    As the bombs fell on the city, the woman blithely continued with her chores.
    • 2012 May 27, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “New Kid On The Block” (season 4, episode 8; originally aired 11/12/1992)”, in The Onion AV Club‎[1]:
      The episode also opens with an inspired bit of business for Homer, who blithely refuses to acquiesce to an elderly neighbor’s utterly reasonable request that he help make the process of selling her house easier by wearing pants when he gallivants about in front of windows, throw out his impressive collection of rotting Jack-O-Lanterns from previous Halloweens and take out his garbage, as it’s attracting wildlife (cue moose and Northern Exposure theme song).
  2. In a joyful, carefree manner.
  3. (obsolete) In a kind manner.

Synonyms

Translations

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