Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a way that provides physical ease and relaxation: "comfortably" describes a state of being free from pain, discomfort, or constraint.
   • In a way that provides mental ease and freedom from stress: It describes a state of psychological well-being and lack of anxiety.
   • In a way that provides financial security and freedom from want: It describes a state of having sufficient resources to live without hardship.

Usage Examples

• Physical Comfort:
  • She sat comfortably in the soft armchair.
  • The shoes fit comfortably.
• Mental/Emotional Comfort:
  • He spoke comfortably in front of the large audience.
  • They discussed the difficult topic comfortably.
• Financial Comfort:
  • After years of saving, they now live comfortably.
  • His pension allows him to retire comfortably.

Advanced Usage

• "comfortably off": Having enough money to live well without being extremely rich.
  • They are not wealthy, but they are comfortably off.
• "comfortably ahead/behind": Being in a position (e.g., in a race or competition) with a secure lead or deficit.
  • With ten minutes left, our team was comfortably ahead.
• "comfortably the best/worst": Used for emphasis to mean clearly or undoubtedly.
  • She is comfortably the most experienced candidate for the job.

Variants and Related Words

• Comfortable (adj): Providing or enjoying comfort.
  • a comfortable bed; a comfortable income.
• Comfort (n/v): A state of physical ease or freedom from pain; to soothe.
  • He found comfort in her words. She tried to comfort the child.

Synonyms

• Cozyly: In a snug, warm, and comfortable manner.
• Easily: Without difficulty or effort.
• Adequately: To a satisfactory or acceptable extent (often regarding resources).

Related Phrases

• Rest comfortably: To relax or sleep in a state of ease.
  • The patient is resting comfortably after the surgery.
• Live comfortably: To have a lifestyle free from financial worry.
  • Their goal is to live comfortably in their old age.

Idioms

• Sit comfortably with: To be in agreement with one's conscience or principles; to be acceptable.
  • His decision did not sit comfortably with the rest of the team.

Adverb

1. in financial comfort
   • They live well
   • she has been able to live comfortably since her husband died
2. in physical comfort
   • she could have been lying comfortably in bed getting the same relief
3. in mental comfort; without stress
   • he works comfortably on three continents