Delight Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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delight
[dɪˈlaɪt ]
Definitions
feeling
A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Synonyms
bliss, happiness, joy, pleasure.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| delight |
This word is often used to describe a high level of satisfaction and enjoyment, especially in response to a specific event or thing.
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| pleasure |
Pleasure is used to describe a feeling of enjoyment and satisfaction, often from a specific activity or experience. This word can sometimes have a more sensory or immediate connotation.
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| joy |
Joy conveys a strong and deep feeling of happiness, often lasting and sometimes associated with something significant or meaningful.
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| happiness |
Happiness is a general term for a state of well-being and contentment, and can be used in a wide range of contexts.
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| bliss |
Bliss is often used to refer to a state of perfect happiness, often associated with a sense of peace and completeness, sometimes spiritual or romantic.
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Examples of usage
- She took great delight in her garden.
- The children squealed with delight.
action
Please (someone) greatly.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| delight |
Used to express great pleasure or satisfaction, often in a formal or literary context.
|
| please |
Used in a general sense to indicate making someone happy or satisfied, commonly used in everyday conversation.
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| gladden |
Used to indicate making someone happy, often in a more formal or poetic sense.
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| thrill |
Used to express a strong feeling of excitement or pleasure, often related to an exhilarating experience.
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Examples of usage
- She was delighted with the gift.
- The news delighted us.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Experiencing delight can trigger the release of endorphins, which are hormones that promote happiness.
- Delight is often linked to moments of surprise or unexpected joy, enhancing our overall emotional well-being.
- Research shows that delight is a more potent motivator for positive behavior than mere happiness.
Literature
- Delight often appears in poetry as a depiction of pure joy, representing beauty in moments and connections.
- Many classic works, including children's fairy tales and whimsical stories, highlight acts or moments of delight to engage readers.
- Famous authors like William Shakespeare and Jane Austen often used the word to express character emotions and pivotal turning points.
Pop Culture
- The word is used in songs and movies to express joy, like in the popular musical 'My Fair Lady', where delight symbolizes love and fulfillment.
- Numerous brands, such as 'Delight Ice Cream', use the word to evoke pleasure and satisfaction associated with their products.
- Social media influencers often share 'delightful moments', promoting a lifestyle filled with joy and positivity.
Origin of 'delight'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'delit', meaning 'pleasure'.
- In Middle English, it evolved to signify joy and satisfaction, particularly in experiencing something wonderful.
- The roots can be traced back to the Latin 'delectare', meaning 'to please or charm'.
The word 'delight' originated from the Old French word 'delitier' and the Latin word 'delectare', both meaning 'to charm'. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. The concept of delight has been celebrated in literature and art for centuries, emphasizing the importance of finding joy in life's simple pleasures.
See also: delighted, delightful, delightfully, delightfulness, delighting.