Skip to main content
gamely

gamely

4 6.8
In a brave way that keeps trying when things are difficult
  • adverb
  • /ˈɡeɪmli/
translation icon : valientemente
  • Despite the rain, she gamely continued to run the marathon, determined to finish.

Examples

  • Rauschenberg, about to return to the United States in any event, gamely decided to follow the critic's advice.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Romney, by contrast, was gamely and ultra-prepared; he never once seemed caught off guard.

    Blog text (28)
  • Neither enjoyed the taste particularly, but gamely dragged on.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Paul asked, gamely grinning now.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • Still, he fought on gamely and tried to deflect the blame.

    Academic text (1998)
  • "And then the rest of the plan develops," Ortiz said gamely.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • "I say, this is our first time here," Dickens said, smiling gamely.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Munny is on the floor on all fours, trying gamely to get up.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Although, in fact, Saturday night was winding down, everyone agreed with them in spirit and gamely high-fived them back.

    Academic text (2018)
  • "The next photo showed a two-year-old girl with long black hair gamely struggling to prop up her six-month-old brother for their portrait.

    Fiction book (1998)

Synonyms

boldly
vsgamely
54 3.3

Act in a confident, brave way without fear or hesitation

leans more on spirited endurance when difficulty appears rather than risk taking
bravely
vsgamely
48 1.7

Showing courage even when afraid

emphasizes spirited effort when facing difficulty
courageously
vsgamely
15 3.8

In a brave way

focuses more on steady spirit and determination under hardship
valiantly
vsgamely
  • Formal
13 5.5

In a brave and determined way

is similar but highlights steady spirited will against difficulty
fearlessly
vsgamely
8 3.9

In a brave way without fear

allows for fear but insists on spirited effort despite it
gallantly
vsgamely
5 6.5

To act bravely and politely to help someone

stresses inner determination and spirited response to hardship
tenaciously
vsgamely
5 6.7

In a very determined way without giving up

adds a more spirited, face‑difficulty attitude rather than only persistence
manfully
vsgamely
  • Archaic
2 6.8

Act bravely and steadily when facing difficulty

focuses on spirited, persistent effort in hard situations without gendered tone
stoutly
vsgamely
2 5.2

In a firm and determined way

adds spirited bravery specifically when things are hard
daringly
vsgamely
2 4.6

In a brave, bold way that shows someone is willing to take risks

prefers steady spirited determination under hardship over risk seeking
toughly
vsgamely
1 5.4

In a strong, firm way that shows determination

is more about spirited courage and determination in facing hardship
intrepidly
vsgamely
1 7.7

In a brave way without showing fear

permits fear but highlights determined, spirited response to trouble
dauntlessly
vsgamely
1 8.0

In a way that shows no fear

focuses more on enduring spirit when facing difficulty rather than fearlessness
valorously
vsgamely
  • Formal
8.9

In a brave way when facing danger, like in battle

is broader, covering spirited determination even in non‑heroic difficulty

Antonyms

84 3.9

Feeling fear and avoiding dangerous or difficult situations

7 3.2

Move or speak in a shy, nervous way because of low confidence

How Brave

heroically
16 4.9
bravely
48 1.7
gamely
4 6.8
reluctantly
80 3.7
hesitantly
14 3.2

Surface Forms

gamely positive

Morphology

gamely = game (transparent) = game + ly

The word 'gamely' is transparently derived from the adjective 'game' with the addition of the adverbial suffix '-ly'.

Etymology

Gamely comes from the word game, which once meant 'willing' or 'brave' and comes from the old English word gamen meaning 'joy' or 'play'. So to act gamely is to do something with a brave, willing spirit even when it is hard.