Gingerly meaning

jĭn'jər-lē
Gingerly is defined as something done carefully and cautiously.

When you carefully place an expensive vase down on a table, this is an example of putting the vase down gingerly.

adverb
7
1
In a very careful or cautious way.
adverb
4
1
Very careful; cautious.
adjective
4
1
Gently; in a delicate or cautious manner.

He placed the glass jar gingerly on the concrete step.

adverb
3
2
(dated) Ginger.
adjective
2
2
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With great care or delicacy; cautiously.
adverb
1
3
Cautious; careful.

With a gingerly step.

adjective
1
3

Origin of gingerly

Possibly alteration of obsolete French gensor delicate from Old French comparative of gent gentle gent1

Sentence Examples

  • Lisa gingerly settled her body on the couch.

  • She gingerly untangled herself from some thorny vines and tried to stand.

  • Rob walked gingerly across the rocks, wincing.

  • Megan gingerly accepted the tool, gripping the smooth wooden handle with both hands.

  • He quickened his step and his breath came in spurts as he gingerly climbed the stairs toward their rooms.

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Words near gingerly in the Dictionary