Delightful: meaning, definitions and examples

😊
Add to dictionary

delightful

 

[dɪˈlaɪt.fəl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description of something

Greatly pleasing or entertaining; charming.

Synonyms

charming, enjoyable, lovely, pleasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
delightful

This word is often used to describe something that brings great pleasure or joy, such as an experience, a place, or a person.

  • We had a delightful evening at the concert.
  • Her delightful smile made everyone feel happy.
charming

This word is used when talking about a person or place that is pleasantly attractive or full of charm, often in a slightly quaint or old-fashioned way.

  • The village is charming with its cobblestone streets and old houses.
  • He was a charming host who made everyone feel welcome.
pleasing

This word is used to describe something that satisfies or gives pleasure, often in a visual or sensory way.

  • The painting is very pleasing to the eye.
  • The dessert had a pleasing texture and flavor.
enjoyable

This word is typically used to describe an experience or activity that gives pleasure or satisfaction.

  • The movie was very enjoyable.
  • We had an enjoyable day at the beach.
lovely

This word can describe someone or something that is very attractive or pleasant, often used in a more personal or affectionate context.

  • She received a lovely bouquet of flowers.
  • We spent a lovely afternoon together.

Examples of usage

  • It was a delightful surprise to see you here.
  • The garden looked delightful with all the colorful flowers.
  • The music was so delightful that everyone started dancing.
  • She has a delightful personality that everyone loves.
  • The sunset was truly delightful, painting the sky in vibrant colors.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old French 'delit' which means pleasure, and can be traced back to the Latin 'delectare', meaning to please.
  • The suffix '-ful' was added to express that something is full of a quality—in this case, full of delight.
  • It's been used in English since the 14th century, showcasing a long history of expressing joy and enjoyment.

Psychology

  • Experiencing delightful moments releases endorphins, the 'feel-good' hormones, which can improve overall well-being.
  • People often associate delightful experiences with memories that create stronger emotional connections.
  • Delight can be a simple pleasure, impacting mood positively, and even fostering resilience in challenging times.

Literature

  • In classic literature, delightful characters often serve as heroes, bringing joy and inspiration to readers.
  • Poets frequently describe nature in delightful terms to evoke feelings of beauty and happiness.
  • Delightful prose engages readers, leaving them with a memorable sense of happiness and satisfaction.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often use delightful moments, like funny mishaps or heartwarming reunions, to create engaging narratives.
  • Popular songs occasionally use the term to describe love or joyful experiences, highlighting its emotional weight.
  • Children's animations are filled with delightful themes and characters, aimed at sparking joy in viewers of all ages.

Art

  • Delightful art pieces often use vibrant colors and whimsical shapes to evoke happiness in viewers.
  • Many famous painters, like Claude Monet, created landscapes designed to elicit a sense of delight through their representations of nature.
  • Art movements, such as Impressionism, aimed to capture delightful moments, emphasizing light and color to evoke joy.

Translations

Translations of the word "delightful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delicioso

🇮🇳 आनंददायक

🇩🇪 entzückend

🇮🇩 menyenangkan

🇺🇦 чудовий

🇵🇱 zachwycający

🇯🇵 楽しい

🇫🇷 délicieux

🇪🇸 delicioso

🇹🇷 harika

🇰🇷 즐거운

🇸🇦 رائع

🇨🇿 rozkošný

🇸🇰 rozkošný

🇨🇳 令人愉快的

🇸🇮 čudovit

🇮🇸 yndislegt

🇰🇿 тамаша

🇬🇪 მოხიბლული

🇦🇿 zövqlü

🇲🇽 delicioso

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,981 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.