Happiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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happiness

[ˈhæp.i.nəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

The state of being happy; an emotional or mental state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

Synonyms

bliss, contentment, joy, pleasure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
happiness	Used to describe a state of general well-being, satisfaction, and positive emotions over an extended period. She found happiness in the simple pleasures of life. His happiness was evident when he finally achieved his goals.
joy	Refers to a strong feeling of great pleasure and happiness, often experienced in moments of celebration or success. The children's faces lit up with joy when they saw the Christmas presents. She cried tears of joy when she heard the good news.
pleasure	Describes a feeling of enjoyment or satisfaction derived from something specific, like an activity or experience. He took great pleasure in cooking a delicious meal for his friends. Reading a good book brings her immense pleasure.
bliss	A term for a state of perfect happiness, often used in a more poetic or spiritual context. The newlyweds were in a state of pure bliss during their honeymoon. Meditation brought her to a state of inner bliss.
contentment	Used to describe a quiet sense of satisfaction and peace, often associated with acceptance of one’s current situation. He felt contentment as he sat by the fireplace with a good book. After years of hard work, she finally achieved a sense of contentment.

Examples of usage

Happiness is contagious - when you're happy, those around you are more likely to be happy too.
She radiated happiness as she danced with joy.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

philosophical

The utilitarian philosophical concept that the greatest happiness for the greatest number should be the ultimate goal of human action.

Synonyms

fulfillment, prosperity, well-being.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
happiness	Use when talking about a general feeling of joy or contentment. It is a broad term that can apply to many different situations. She found happiness in small things like reading a book or taking a walk in the park
well-being	This term is suitable for talking about overall health, comfort, and happiness. It often encompasses both physical and mental aspects. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are important for maintaining well-being
fulfillment	This word is best used when referring to a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from achieving one's goals or living in alignment with one's values. He felt a sense of fulfillment after helping to build the community center
prosperity	Prosperity is appropriate when discussing wealth or success, often in a financial or economic context. It implies not just happiness, but a state of thriving and abundance. The new policies were aimed at bringing prosperity to the region

Examples of usage

The pursuit of happiness is considered a fundamental human right.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

psychological

A positive emotion that broadens a person's thought-action repertoire, encouraging creativity and exploration.

Synonyms

cheerfulness, optimism, positivity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
happiness	A general feeling of contentment, pleasure, or joy. She felt immense happiness on her wedding day. Finding time to pursue a hobby can bring a lot of happiness.
positivity	Maintaining a positive attitude and focus on the good aspects of situations. Her positivity helped her get through difficult times. The teacher encouraged positivity in the classroom environment.
optimism	A hopeful and positive outlook on future events. Even with the challenges ahead, she maintained her optimism. His optimism about the project's success inspired the whole team.
cheerfulness	A notably happy and lively mood, often expressed outwardly with smiles and laughter. His cheerfulness is contagious, making everyone around him smile. Despite the bad weather, her cheerfulness brightened up the entire office.

Examples of usage

Happiness can lead to increased productivity in the workplace.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that happiness can improve your health, helping you feel better and live longer.
Positive emotions can strengthen relationships, making you feel closer to friends and family.
Gratitude, or being thankful, is strongly linked to feeling happier in life.

Philosophy

Many ancient philosophers believed that happiness is the ultimate goal in life, with Aristotle saying it comes from living a good life.
Utilitarianism, a popular philosophical view, suggests that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

Culture

In many cultures, festivals are held to celebrate joy and happiness, such as Holi in India, where people throw colored powders to welcome spring.
The concept of happiness varies globally; for example, Nordic countries often rank high in happiness because of strong welfare systems and community support.

Science

Research indicates that smiling, even when you're not happy, can trick your brain into feeling better.
Physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in the brain that can boost your mood and create feelings of happiness.

Literature

In literature, happiness is often depicted as a journey rather than a destination, with characters growing through their experiences.
Many books, like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' by Chris Gardner, explore the idea that happiness can come from personal struggle and resilience.

Origin of 'happiness'

The word 'happiness' originated from the Old Norse term 'happ', meaning 'luck' or 'chance'. Over time, it evolved to represent a state of well-being and contentment. The pursuit of happiness has been a central theme in philosophical and psychological studies, emphasizing the importance of positive emotions in human life.

See also: happily, happy, unhappily, unhappiness, unhappy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,992, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2989 instant
2990 consequently
2991 regards
2992 happiness
2993 suspended
2994 committees
2995 dance
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