gingerly

== English == === Etymology === The second element is -ly; the first element may be Anglo-Norman gençur or Old French gençor, gensor, comparative forms (also attested as positives) of gent (“beautiful, noble, pleasant, courteous”). The Oxford English Dictionary notes, however, that there is a gap of a few centuries between the last appearance of gençor, etc., and the first appearance of gingerly. The adjective is derived from the adverb, possibly because -ly is also a suffix forming adjectives. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈdʒɪn(d)ʒəli/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈd͡ʒɪnd͡ʒɚli/ Hyphenation: gin‧ger‧ly === Adverb === gingerly (comparative more gingerly, superlative most gingerly) In a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously. Synonyms: (chiefly Britain, regional, Canada, US) ginger, tentatively, warily (obsolete) Chiefly of dancing or walking: done with small, dainty steps; daintily; also, with excessive delicacy; affectedly, mincingly. ==== Derived terms ==== ginger (adjective, adverb, and verb) ==== Related terms ==== gingerish gingerness ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === gingerly (comparative more gingerly or (rare, proscribed) gingerlier, superlative most gingerly or (rare, proscribed) gingerliest) Often of movements: very careful, cautious, or delicate. Synonyms: (chiefly Britain, regional, Canada, US) ginger, gingerish, tentative, wary (obsolete) Often of a person or the way they move: dainty, delicate; also, excessively delicate; affected, mincing. ==== Derived terms ==== gingerliness ==== Translations ==== === References === === Anagrams === niggerly