Glee Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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glee

[ɡliː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of joy

Glee is a feeling of great happiness and excitement.

Synonyms

delight, happiness, joy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
glee

Glee is often used to describe a feeling of great joy, particularly in a slightly mischievous or triumphant way. It can suggest that someone is excited or happy about something that might be seen as a small victory or even at someone else's expense.

  • She couldn't hide her glee when she finally scored the winning goal.
  • There was a look of glee on his face as he unwrapped his birthday present.
joy

Joy is a deep and often spiritual feeling of great pleasure and happiness. It is used to convey an intense, uplifting emotion that can be about specific instances or a general sense of overall well-being.

  • His heart was filled with joy when he held his newborn baby for the first time.
  • She felt a profound sense of joy watching the sunset.
happiness

Happiness describes a state of well-being and contentment. It is a broad term that can encompass a variety of positive emotions and is often used to speak about overall satisfaction with life or specific joyful experiences.

  • Their happiness was evident as they walked hand in hand along the beach.
  • Finding a job she loves has brought her immense happiness.
delight

Delight indicates a high level of pleasure or satisfaction. It is often used to express how happy someone is with a particular event, outcome, or item that brings them joy.

  • The children squealed with delight when they saw the amusement park.
  • Her eyes sparkled with delight as she watched the dance performance.

Examples of usage

  • Her face was full of glee when she saw the surprise party.
  • The children danced around in glee when they heard the good news.
Context #2 | Noun

musical comedy-drama TV series

Glee is also the title of a popular American musical comedy-drama television series.

Synonyms

TV series, drama, musical comedy.

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Word Description / Examples
glee

Refers to the popular TV series 'Glee', which is a musical comedy-drama. The word is capitalized when specifying this TV show.

  • I've been binge-watching 'Glee' all week; the music and characters are so great
  • 'Glee' really brought musical numbers back into mainstream TV
musical comedy

Refers to a genre of entertainment that combines music, songs, and comedy. Often light-hearted and humorous.

  • We went to see a musical comedy at the theater, and it was hilarious
  • 'The Producers' is a classic example of a musical comedy that has entertained audiences for years
TV series

Refers to a show broadcasted on television in a series of episodes. Can belong to any genre, including drama, comedy, horror, etc.

  • She's hooked on that new TV series about crime-solving detectives
  • They spent the weekend catching up on their favorite TV series
drama

Used to describe an emotional or exciting situation, usually involving intense conflict or contrast. Can refer to a genre of TV shows or movies that focus on serious subjects.

  • The family gathering turned into a full-blown drama when old secrets were revealed
  • She prefers watching drama over comedy because she enjoys the intricate storylines

Examples of usage

  • Many fans of Glee were sad when the show ended after six seasons.
  • The cast of Glee performed many iconic musical numbers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Glee has often been celebrated in poetry, symbolizing unrestrained happiness.
  • Classic authors like Shakespeare used 'glee' to convey moments of joy and revelry in their works.
  • In contemporary literature, 'glee' is often associated with camaraderie and shared happiness among characters.

Pop Culture

  • The popular TV show 'Glee', which premiered in 2009, showcased musical talents and the joys of high school friendships.
  • The term 'gleek' emerged, referring to fans of the show or those who enjoy expressing happiness through song and performance.
  • Musicals and performances often use 'glee' to denote exuberance, making it a staple in celebratory themes.

Psychology

  • Experiencing glee is associated with the release of endorphins, boosting overall mood and well-being.
  • Psychologists suggest that moments of glee can enhance social bonds and foster feelings of belonging.
  • The pursuit of glee can inspire creativity and stimulate problem-solving as it opens the mind to new possibilities.

Origin of 'glee'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English 'gleo', meaning 'joy' or 'mirth'.
  • It has roots in the Middle English word 'glee', which indicated cheerful music or merriment.
  • The transition of meaning from music to a general sense of joy happened around the 17th century.

The word 'glee' originated in the late Middle English period from the Old English 'gleo' meaning 'music, mirth, or play'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent a feeling of great joy or happiness. In the 18th century, 'glee' also became associated with a type of musical entertainment involving singing. Today, 'glee' is commonly used to describe a sense of joy and excitement.


See also: gleeful, gleefully.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,284, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.