In early uses, "merrily" means pleasantly, agreeably, cheerfully, happily. Similarly, in modern uses, "merrily" means with exuberant gaiety, joyously, mirthfully, hilariously. Another definition connotes merrily as jocularly, facetiously, wittily, in jest. With reference to inanimate things, "merrily" means with alacrity; briskly.