What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
jokingly
Example
He joked that he was the best singer in the world. [joked: verb]
Example
She said it jokingly, but I could tell she was serious. [jokingly: adverb]
playfully
Example
The dog playfully chased its tail around the yard. [playfully: adverb]
Example
She nudged him playfully and laughed. [playfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Jokingly and playfully are both common words that are used in everyday language. However, playfully may be slightly more versatile since it can be used as both an adverb and an adjective.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between jokingly and playfully?
Both jokingly and playfully are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation or writing. However, jokingly may be slightly more formal due to its use as an adverb.
