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Happy: meaning, definitions and examples

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happy

 

[ˈhæpi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment. It is a positive and joyful emotional state.

Synonyms

content, glad, joyful, pleased.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
happy

General term for feeling good and positive. This can be used in many contexts, from personal achievements to daily pleasant events.

  • She felt happy when she saw the sunrise.
  • He was happy about his promotion.
joyful

Indicates a very high level of happiness, often associated with celebration and great pleasure.

  • The children were joyful on Christmas morning.
  • He had a joyful expression when he saw his old friend.
content

Describes a calm and peaceful state of happiness, often implying satisfaction with what one has.

  • He was content living a simple life.
  • She felt content with her achievements.
pleased

Shows satisfaction or mild happiness, often in response to something specific happening or someone else’s action.

  • She was pleased with the results of her test.
  • We are pleased to announce the launch of our new product.
glad

Used when someone is pleased or grateful for something that has happened. It's often used in reactions to news or events.

  • I'm glad you came to the party.
  • She was glad to hear that her friend was safe.

Examples of usage

  • I am so happy to see you!
  • She has a happy smile on her face.
  • The children were happy to play outside in the sunshine.
Context #2 | Noun

emotions

A state of well-being and contentment. It is a pleasant and positive feeling.

Synonyms

bliss, contentment, delight, joy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
happy

Can be used in a variety of situations where someone feels positive, satisfied or joyful. It is a general term for a positive emotional state.

  • She felt happy when she received the good news
  • We are happy to see you
joy

Refers to a deep and often long-lasting state of happiness, frequently associated with something very meaningful or significant. Can be used in both everyday and profound contexts.

  • The birth of their child brought them immense joy
  • She felt joy when she reunited with her old friend
contentment

Describes a state of being satisfied with what one has, often used in the context of accepting and being happy with less or a simple life.

  • He achieved a sense of contentment after years of searching
  • Despite the challenges, she lived in contentment
bliss

Represents a state of perfect happiness or joy, often used in more poetic or romantic contexts. It conveys a deeper sense of satisfaction and usually implies serene and complete happiness.

  • They found bliss in each other’s company
  • She lay on the beach in a state of bliss
delight

Refers to a strong feeling of happiness or pleasure, often in response to something pleasant or satisfying. It is usually used when describing a specific source of great pleasure.

  • The children's laughter filled her with delight
  • He took delight in her success

Examples of usage

  • I just want to find happiness in life.
  • Her happiness radiated from her eyes.
  • The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'happy' comes from the Middle English word 'hap,' meaning good fortune or luck.
  • It is linked to the Old Norse word 'heppinn,' which means 'suitable, proper,' indicating a sense of positive suitability.

Psychology

  • Research shows that happiness can boost your immune system and increase lifespan.
  • Happiness is often considered a key indicator of well-being and life satisfaction in psychological assessments.

Pop Culture

  • Pharrell Williams’ song 'Happy' became an anthem for joy, topping charts worldwide and inspiring dance videos.
  • Animated films frequently depict characters saying or expressing happiness, reinforcing its association with adventure and success.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophers believe that happiness is the ultimate goal of human life, leading to debates about its meaning throughout history.
  • Aristotle spoke of 'eudaimonia' (flourishing) as the highest form of happiness, related to living virtuously.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, celebrations like festivals or family gatherings are centered around making people feel happy and connected.
  • Happiness is often expressed through smiles, which are universal, but the cultural context can affect how happiness is interpreted.

Translations

Translations of the word "happy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 feliz

🇮🇳 खुश

🇩🇪 glücklich

🇮🇩 bahagia

🇺🇦 щасливий

🇵🇱 szczęśliwy

🇯🇵 幸せ (しあわせ, shiawase)

🇫🇷 heureux

🇪🇸 feliz

🇹🇷 mutlu

🇰🇷 행복한 (haengbokhan)

🇸🇦 سعيد

🇨🇿 šťastný

🇸🇰 šťastný

🇨🇳 快乐 (kuàilè)

🇸🇮 srečen

🇮🇸 hamingjusamur

🇰🇿 бақытты

🇬🇪 ბედნიერი

🇦🇿 xoşbəxt

🇲🇽 feliz

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,414, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.