Dictionary

sweet-heartedly en · ADV

Etymology

From sweet-hearted + -ly.

Meanings

1. (rare) In a sweet-hearted manner.
   • Lydia could talk as easily to Mr. Ralph and Miss Esterbrook as she could think to herself; Mrs. Roy had had so little time to listen to the child, and had so often replied in chilling monosyllables, that Lydia had fallen into the habit of being silent unless she were with Philip or Mr. Ralph and Miss Esterbrook; when with them she talked as naturally and sweet-heartedly as the bird sings or the brook ripples. 1883, Mrs. Nathaniel Conklin, (Jennie M[aria] Drinkwater), “One Evening”, in Fifteen; or, Lydia’s Happenings, New York, N.Y.: Robert Carter and Brothers, […], →OCLC, page 149:
   • Ivy turned toward the boy who had mentioned McCarthy. “Rob, didn’t you say you were going to run down and get sodas for us?” She smiled sweet-heartedly at him. “Didn’t you say it was going to be your treat, too?” 1995, Steven Moiles, “The Crowd”, in The Summer of my First Pediddle, Unionville, N.Y.; Toronto, Ont.: Royal Fireworks Press, →ISBN, page 39:
   • “That Imp Marcella.” By Raymond Jackberns. (3s. 6d.) An excellent story of a tomboy who goes sweet-heartedly through innumerable adventures, annoying everyone and beloved by everyone. 1907 December 13, T.P.’s Weekly, London, →OCLC, page 766, column 3:

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