gainly

[ geyn-lee ]

adjective

1. graceful; comely; handsome.

gainly

/ ˈɡeɪnlɪ /

adjective

1. graceful or well-formed; shapely

adverb

1. conveniently or suitably

Derived Forms

• ˈgainliness, noun

Other Words From

• gainli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gainly¹

First recorded in 1850–55; probably back formation from ungainly

Example Sentences

"Learned pigs," however, such as are exhibited at country fairs, are a rare occurrence, and the family to which they belong is essentially one "gross" in character, and far from gainly in appearance.

From Project Gutenberg

In our admiration we entirely separate these qualities from that least gainly and least wholesome of the forms of Christian piety with which they are here found connected.

From Project Gutenberg

I did not fashion the man," said Faith, biting her lip, and tossing her head; "nor is it aught to me whether he be gainly or not.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who sit in a glass house do wrong to throw stones about them; besides, the American glass house is rather thin, it will break easily, and the interior is anything but a gainly sight.

From Project Gutenberg