An i-adjective meaning graceful in defeat, sportsmanlike, or decisive. It describes an admirable attitude of accepting a negative outcome, such as failure or fault, cleanly and without making excuses. It can also refer to being decisive and unhesitating. Common usage includes "to admit gracefully" (潔く認める). Example: "The politician's graceful resignation after the scandal was widely praised."

思い切りがよく、未練がましくない様子を表すい形容詞。自分の過ちや敗北を素直に認め、言い訳をしない態度を賞賛する際に使う。「潔く罪を認める」「潔く諦める」のように使う。例文：「彼は負けを潔く認め、勝者を称えた。」