ginger vs gingerly

ginger

adv
  • In a very careful or cautious manner; also, delicately, sensitively. 

verb
  • To enliven, to spice (up). 

  • To inspire (someone); to give a little boost to. 

  • To apply ginger to the anus of a horse to encourage it to carry its tail high and move in a lively fashion. 

  • To add ginger to. 

  • To move gingerly, in a very careful and cautious manner. 

adj
  • Very careful or cautious; also, delicate, sensitive. 

  • Homosexual. 

  • Having hair or fur of this colour. 

  • Of a reddish-brown colour. 

noun
  • The pungent aromatic rhizome of a tropical Asian herb, Zingiber officinale, used as a spice and as a stimulant and acarminative. 

  • Other species belonging to the same family, Zingiberaceae, especially those of the genus Zingiber 

  • A reddish-brown color. 

  • Vitality, vigour, liveliness (of character). 

  • Any soft fizzy drink, or can or bottle of such; pop; soda. 

  • A homosexual. 

  • A person with reddish-brown hair; a redhead. 

  • The plant that produces this rhizome. 

  • Ginger ale, or can or bottle of such (especially if dry). 

gingerly

adv
  • In a cautious and delicate manner; (very) carefully or cautiously. 

adj
  • Often of movements: very careful, cautious, or delicate. 

How often have the words ginger and gingerly occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )