in a careful or cautious manner, showing great care or caution

Formal and Informal Expressions of gingerly

In different contexts, you can replace 'gingerly' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'careful, cautious' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'delicate, tentative' is a commonplace synonym.

gingerly: Explore its Definition & Usage

gingerly Definition

1in a careful or cautious manner
2showing great care or caution

Using gingerly: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gingerly" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She gingerly stepped over the puddle.
Example
He gingerly lifted the fragile vase from the shelf.
Example
The injured player gingerly walked off the field.
Example
She gingerly tasted the hot soup.

gingerly Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for gingerly

Antonyms for gingerly

Phrases with gingerly

handle something gingerly
to handle something with great care and delicacy
Example
He handled the antique vase gingerly, afraid it might break.
walk gingerly
to walk carefully and cautiously, often due to injury or pain
Example
After spraining her ankle, she had to walk gingerly for a few days.
speak gingerly
to speak carefully and cautiously, often due to a sensitive topic
Example
She spoke gingerly about the recent controversy, not wanting to offend anyone.

Origins of gingerly

from Old French 'gingembre', meaning 'ginger'

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Summary: gingerly in Brief

'Gingerly' [ˈdʒɪndʒərli] is an adverb and adjective that describes a careful or cautious manner. It is often used to describe actions done with great care, such as 'She gingerly stepped over the puddle,' or to describe a person who is showing great care or caution, such as 'He was gingerly carrying the fragile vase.' The phrase 'handle something gingerly' means to handle something with great care and delicacy.