NYT Dictionary

GAINLY

/ˈɡeɪnliː/
AdverbAdjectiveGAIN-lygain-ly · 2 syllablesAdvanced/Professional

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2022, 2023, 2025

Meaning

Suitably; fitly; conveniently; readily.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English

From Middle English gaynly, geȝȝnlike, geynliche, equivalent to gain (“straight, direct, convenient, favourable, kindly”, adjective) + -ly (adverbial/adjectival suffix).

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

ungainly

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 2 recorded puzzles:

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