gratefully
UK[ˈɡreɪtfəli]US[ˈɡreɪtfəli]
adv
in a way that shows or expresses thanks
adv
in a pleasant or comforting way
Morpheme Breakdown
grate
ful
ly
grate
pleasing
ful
full of
ly
in a manner of
Etymology
the word 'gratefully' is built upon the latin adjective gratus, meaning "pleasing" or "thankful". this root entered english via old french grat, forming the adjective 'grateful', which literally means "full of thankfulness". the adverbial suffix '-ly', of germanic origin, was then appended to describe the manner of an action. thus, the modern adverb 'gratefully' logically retains the core notion of performing an action in a manner characterized by thankfulness or appreciation, directly linking the ancient concept of being pleasing or agreeable to the contemporary expression of gratitude.
Analysis
Structure: grate (pleasing) + ful (full of) + ly (in a manner of)
grate: from latin gratus, meaning "pleasing, thankful, agreeable". functions as the core root conveying the sense of thankfulness.
ful: from old english -ful, a suffix meaning "full of" or "characterized by". functions as an adjective-forming suffix.
ly: from old english -līce, a suffix forming adverbs from adjectives. functions as an adverb-forming suffix.
Examples
she smiled gratefully at the stranger who held the door open.
i would gratefully accept any advice you can offer.
he sank into the comfortable chair gratefully after the long journey.