Grandly
adv.joyful, calmliterary
What it means
In an impressive, dignified, or ceremoniously ambitious manner.
Reach for it when describing scale or presentation while allowing for a hint of theatrical excess
The old staircase rises grandly through the center of the hall.
Choose between these
6- playful
with a flourish
a theatrical finishing gesture is intentionally part of the charm
not when A flourish is brief and may look showy rather than dignified.
- warm
excellent execution or bright beauty is the point
not when Splendidly can praise a small result that is not grand in scale.
- professional
observable quality or scale earns respect
not when Impressively is more measured and lacks ceremonial grandeur.
- formal
ceremoniously
ritual formality shapes how the action occurs
not when Ceremony can be modest and does not itself make something grand.
- formal
dignified scale or motion inspires awe
not when Majestically is too solemn for cheerful display or ambitious speech.
- literary
exceptional splendor is genuinely visible
not when Magnificently is emphatic and can make ordinary good design sound inflated.
Said against
3- modestly
- plainly
- shabbily
It naturally appears in
3- rise grandly
Stone arches rise grandly above the quiet reading room.
- grandly announced
The plan was grandly announced before its maintenance budget existed.
- grandly proportioned
The grandly proportioned windows bring winter light deep into the hall.
The word family
1Usage notes
Grandly can carry irony when manner exceeds substance. Context should make sincere praise clear.