What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sportively
Example
The children were playing sportively in the park. [sportively: adverb]
Example
She approached the game sportively, determined to win. [sportively: adverb]
playfully
Example
The puppy was playfully chasing its tail. [playfully: adverb]
Example
He nudged her playfully, trying to get her attention. [playfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Playfully is more commonly used than sportively in everyday language. Playfully is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while sportively is less common and is typically used in sports or competitive settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sportively and playfully?
Both sportively and playfully are informal adverbs, but sportively may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with sports and competition.
