Jolly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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jolly
[ˈdʒɒli ]
Definitions
mood
cheerful and lively in manner or mood
Synonyms
cheerful, happy, lively, merry.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jolly |
This word has a playful and slightly old-fashioned feel. It's often used to describe a friendly and cheerful mood, especially in social gatherings or festive settings.
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| cheerful |
This term is commonly used to describe someone who is noticeably happy and optimistic. It's suitable for everyday interactions and can describe both short-term emotions and longer-term attitudes.
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| merry |
Similar to 'jolly', this word has a festive connotation and is often used to describe a joyful and celebratory mood. It's commonly used in the context of holidays and parties.
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| happy |
This is a general term used to describe a state of joy, contentment, or satisfaction. It can be used in a wide range of situations, from casual to formal.
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| lively |
This word is used to describe someone who is full of energy and enthusiasm. It often refers to active or animated behavior.
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Examples of usage
- She had a jolly laugh that brightened up the room.
- Despite the rain, he remained in a jolly mood throughout the picnic.
informal
used for emphasis, especially to express approval or agreement
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| jolly |
Used in informal, cheerful situations with a positive connotation. Often associated with celebrations or happy events.
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| very |
A common word used to intensify adjectives and adverbs, suitable for almost any context, formal or informal.
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| extremely |
Used to emphasize something to a very high degree, appropriate in both formal and informal settings.
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| exceedingly |
Used to emphasize something to a high degree, usually in formal or written contexts.
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Examples of usage
- That was a jolly good show!
- I had a jolly good time at the party.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In British tradition, a 'jolly good fellow' is a term of endearment for someone who is friendly and enjoyable to be around.
- The phrase 'jolly old Saint Nicholas' is popularly used in Christmas carols, enhancing the spirit of festive joy.
- Various holiday movies and songs celebrate the concept of being jolly, especially during the Christmas season.
Psychology
- Research suggests that smiling can make you feel more cheerful, creating a positive feedback loop of jolliness.
- People often associate being jolly with social bonding, as laughter and joy are contagious in group settings.
- Engaging in jolly activities, such as games or celebrations, has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health.
Literature
- Authors like Charles Dickens often used jolly characters to represent warmth and generosity in their stories.
- In children's literature, jolly characters like Santa Claus or cheerful animals often play roles that promote joy and happiness.
- The word is frequently used in poetry and songs to evoke cheerful imagery, particularly in festive contexts.
Origin of 'jolly'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'jolly' derives from the Middle English 'jolie,' which meant 'happy' or 'cheerful'.
- It can be traced back to the Old French 'jolie,' meaning 'pretty,' which also linked to happiness.
- Over centuries, it broadened to not just mean pretty, but to embody a sense of merriment and joy.
The word 'jolly' originated in the late 14th century from the Old French word 'jolif' meaning 'merry' or 'festive'. Over the centuries, the meaning evolved to its current usage to describe someone or something cheerful and lively.