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comfortably
/ˈkʌm.fə.tə.bli/
in a relaxed and pleasant way
She settled comfortably into her favorite armchair.
She relaxed and felt at ease in her favorite armchair.
informal
in a way that provides physical ease and relaxation
The passengers traveled comfortably in first class.
The passengers enjoyed a relaxed and pleasant journey in first class.
Often used to describe physical comfort, such as seating or clothing.
informal
in a way that is emotionally or psychologically soothing
He spoke comfortably about his past experiences.
He discussed his past experiences with ease and confidence.
Can also refer to emotional ease or confidence in a situation.
Collocations
sit comfortablyto sit in a relaxed and easy positionlive comfortablyto live in a way that meets one's needs without hardshipspeak comfortablyto talk with confidence and ease
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Physical vs. Emotional Comfort
The word 'comfortably' can describe both physical ease (e.g., seating) and emotional ease (e.g., confidence in speaking). Pay attention to context to distinguish between the two.
Gold Rule
Avoid Redundancy
Do not use 'comfortably' with words that already imply comfort, such as 'very comfortably' or 'extremely comfortably', as it can sound redundant.
Word Origin
From 'comfort' (Old French 'confort', from Latin 'comfortare') + '-ly' (adverbial suffix).
Usage Notes
Often used to describe physical comfort, but can also refer to emotional or psychological ease. Avoid using it to describe financial comfort unless specifying 'live comfortably'.
Word Breakdown
comfort
a state of physical or emotional ease
root-ly
adverbial suffix indicating manner
suffixEnglish Dictionary