What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
playfully
Example
The children were playing together playfully in the park. [playfully: adverb]
Example
She gave him a playful shove as they walked down the street. [playful: adjective]
teasingly
Example
He grinned teasingly at her when she missed the shot. [teasingly: adverb]
Example
She made a teasing comment about his new haircut. [teasing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Playfully is more commonly used than teasingly in everyday language. Playfully is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while teasingly is less common and refers to a more specific type of playful behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between playfully and teasingly?
Both playfully and teasingly are informal and casual in tone, and are appropriate for use in informal settings such as among friends or family. However, teasingly can sometimes be seen as slightly more provocative or impolite, and may not be appropriate in very formal or professional settings.
