Delightful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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delightful

[dษชหˆlaษชt.fษ™l ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description of something

Greatly pleasing or entertaining; charming.

Synonyms

charming, enjoyable, lovely, pleasing.

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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.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'delightful'

Main points about word origin

  • 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 qualityโ€”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.

The word 'delightful' originated from the Middle English term 'delitabel,' which came from the Old French word 'delitable' meaning 'giving pleasure.' The term has evolved over time to its current form in Modern English, retaining its essence of something that brings joy or pleasure.


See also: delight, delighted, delightfully, delightfulness, delighting.

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.