What does frolicsomely mean?
Frolicsomely is a literary adverb meaning “in a playful, merry, or carefree manner.” It is the -ly form of frolicsome, an adjective that describes someone or something full of high spirits and mischief. The word is chiefly found in old-fashioned or poetic prose, where it lends color and an elevated tone rather than appearing in everyday conversation. For example, dancers might move frolicsomely through a ballroom, while a playful anecdote can make an audience burst into laughter. Its connotations are warmer and more animated than the neutral word happily, and more buoyant than gaily, which can sometimes suggest carelessness. The word’s unusual -somely ending makes it especially useful in descriptive writing, where it emphasizes a scene’s carefree energy. It is less common than frolicsome, so a modern speaker may prefer the adjective or simply merrily.
adverbIn a playful, merry, or carefree manner; with high spirits and mischievous energy.
- In a frolicsome, playful, merry, or carefree manner.
"The children frolicsomely chased one another across the meadow."
"A breeze lifted her hat as she skipped frolicsomely down the lane."
"The musicians played frolicsomely, and the celebration continued into the small hours."
Frolicsomely is prose that has kicked up its heels: it evokes playful, high-spirited movement with a distinctly literary flair.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does frolicsomely come from?
Frolicsomely is formed from the adjective frolicsome with the adverbial suffix -ly. Frolicsome in turn derives from the English word frolic, whose precise origin is uncertain. The resulting family includes the related noun frolicsomeness, meaning playfulness or high-spirited merriment.
Related word forms
How frolicsomely is actually used
This is an uncommon, literary or archaic adverb. It is more vivid and stylistically marked than merrily or happily, and is chiefly found in descriptive, poetic, or old-fashioned prose.