pleasantly

adv

Etymology: From Middle English pleasauntly; equivalent to pleasant + -ly.

1. In a pleasant manner; so as to achieve a pleasant result.

   “He smiled pleasantly at passersby.”

   “They were pleasantly surprised at the result.”

2. Lightly
3. Ludicrously; facetiously.

   “In workhouses, pleasantly so named, because work cannot be done in them.”

   “Mr Venus, reminded of the duties of hospitality, produced some rum. In answer to the inquiry, 'Will you mix it, Mr Wegg?' that gentleman pleasantly rejoined, 'I think not, sir. On so auspicious an occasion, I prefer to take it in the form of a Gum-Tickler.'”