Cheerful: meaning, definitions and examples

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cheerful

 

[ ˈtʃɪərfʊl ]

Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

mood

Having or showing a happy disposition; full of energy and good spirits.

Synonyms

happy, joyful, lively, upbeat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cheerful

This word is often used to describe someone who is generally in a good mood and spreads positivity to others. It is suitable for describing people, their attitudes, and atmospheres.

  • She always has a cheerful smile on her face.
  • The cheerful atmosphere of the party made everyone feel comfortable.
happy

This is a general term that can be used in a wide range of situations to describe a person who feels pleasure or contentment. It applies to both short-term emotions and long-term states of being.

  • He was happy to hear the good news.
  • They live a happy life together.
joyful

This word is more intense than 'happy' and is often used for specific moments or events. It signifies a great level of happiness and is usually linked to celebrations or significant achievements.

  • The children's laughter was incredibly joyful.
  • The whole family felt joyful during the holiday season.
lively

Lively is used to describe someone or something that is full of energy, enthusiasm, and activity. It can apply to both people and environments.

  • The lively dance performance captivated the audience.
  • She has a lively personality that cheers everyone up.
upbeat

This word describes a person who is consistently optimistic and positive, often in challenging situations. It has a connotation of resilience and a positive outlook on life.

  • Despite the setback, he remained upbeat about the project's future.
  • Her upbeat attitude is contagious.

Examples of usage

  • She had a cheerful smile on her face.
  • Despite the rainy weather, he remained cheerful throughout the day.
  • The cheerful atmosphere in the room lifted everyone's spirits.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Bright and pleasant; causing happiness or contentment.

Synonyms

bright, colorful, pleasant, vibrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cheerful

Used to describe someone or something that is happy and full of energy.

  • The cheerful music lifted everyone's spirits
  • She has a cheerful personality that brightens the room
bright

Refers to something that emits or reflects a lot of light; can also describe someone intelligent or cheerful.

  • The bright sun made everyone squint
  • He has a bright future ahead of him
  • Her bright smile was contagious
pleasant

Used to describe something that is enjoyable or gives a good feeling, without being too extreme.

  • It was a pleasant evening with good company
  • She has a pleasant voice that is nice to listen to
colorful

Describes something that has many colors; can also mean exciting or interesting.

  • The garden was full of colorful flowers
  • He has a colorful history full of adventures
vibrant

Describes something full of energy and life; often refers to colors, cities, or personalities.

  • The city is known for its vibrant nightlife
  • Her vibrant dress caught everyone's attention

Examples of usage

  • The cheerful colors of the flowers brightened up the room.
  • Her cheerful personality made everyone feel welcome.
  • He painted the room in cheerful hues to create a welcoming environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "cheerful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alegre

🇮🇳 उल्लासित (ullāsit)

🇩🇪 fröhlich

🇮🇩 ceria

🇺🇦 веселий

🇵🇱 radosny

🇯🇵 陽気な (yōkina)

🇫🇷 joyeux

🇪🇸 alegre

🇹🇷 neşeli

🇰🇷 명랑한 (myeongnanghan)

🇸🇦 مبتهج (mubtahij)

🇨🇿 veselý

🇸🇰 veselý

🇨🇳 快乐的 (kuàilè de)

🇸🇮 vesel

🇮🇸 glöð

🇰🇿 көңілді (köñildi)

🇬🇪 ხალისიანი (khalisiani)

🇦🇿 şən

🇲🇽 alegre

Etymology

The word 'cheerful' originated from the Middle English word 'cherful,' which came from the Old English word 'cēorful,' meaning full of cheer. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe someone who is full of good spirits and happiness.

See also: cheer, cheerfully, cheerfulness, cheering, cheers.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,223 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.