American English
/ˈθæŋk.fə.li/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Used to say that a bad or difficult situation ended well, or that something bad did not happen.
The usual clear pronunciation is /ˈθæŋk.fə.li/. In natural speech, the middle part can become very short, with the /l/ carrying that syllable: /ˈθæŋk.fl̩.li/.
Used to say that a bad or difficult situation ended well, or that something bad did not happen.
Thankfully, no one was hurt.
Thankfully, the train arrived on time.
At the start of a sentence, thankfully usually means fortunately. It does not usually mean that the speaker is saying thank you.
thankfully avoided · thankfully resolved
Thankfully, + subject + verb ...
Subject + , thankfully, + verb ...
In a way that shows you appreciate someone's help or kindness.
She smiled thankfully after he helped her.
He thankfully accepted the offer of a ride.
thankfully accepted · thankfully received
Subject + verb + thankfully