raptly

[ rapt-lee ]

adverb

1. with the attention completely engaged; in a way that shows deep absorption in something:

   It was a story of courage and hope that kept me reading raptly until the final page.

2. with intense joy or delight; blissfully; ecstatically:

   It was a moment to meditate, look raptly at the night sky, and be overcome by the awesomeness of the universe.

Word History and Origins

Origin of raptly¹

First recorded in 1640–50, for an earlier sense; rapt ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

The big party stopped for a while and everyone listened raptly.

From Salon

Vanessa Ingalls listened raptly, taking notes in the “Secrets of a Successful Organizer” class, her young daughter, Hailey, on her lap.

From Los Angeles Times

They were learning the play by listening, raptly, to each other.

From New York Times

I couldn’t believe my attention was held so raptly by the story of 12th-century nuns, but I loved their community, their personalities, their ambitions especially.

From New York Times

Soon they’re as raptly absorbed in each other’s moves as we are in this uplifting musical.

From Washington Post