Jolly: meaning, definitions and examples

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jolly

 

[ หˆdส’ษ’li ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

mood

cheerful and lively in manner or mood

Synonyms

cheerful, happy, lively, merry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • He was in a jolly mood during the office Christmas party.
  • The children were having a jolly time at the festival.
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.

  • Her cheerful attitude always brightens up the office.
  • Despite the rain, he remained cheerful throughout the day.
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.

  • Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
  • The villagers were merry during the summer fair.
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.

  • She felt happy about her test results.
  • They were happy to see each other after a long time.
lively

This word is used to describe someone who is full of energy and enthusiasm. It often refers to active or animated behavior.

  • The lively dance performance captivated everyone.
  • He gave a lively speech that kept the audience engaged.

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.
Context #2 | Adverb

informal

used for emphasis, especially to express approval or agreement

Synonyms

exceedingly, extremely, very.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
jolly

Used in informal, cheerful situations with a positive connotation. Often associated with celebrations or happy events.

  • We had a jolly time at the holiday party.
  • He was in a jolly mood after hearing the good news.
very

A common word used to intensify adjectives and adverbs, suitable for almost any context, formal or informal.

  • She is very smart.
  • The house is very big.
extremely

Used to emphasize something to a very high degree, appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

  • It was an extremely difficult task.
  • He was extremely happy with his exam results.
exceedingly

Used to emphasize something to a high degree, usually in formal or written contexts.

  • The presentation was exceedingly well-received by the audience.
  • She is exceedingly talented in her field.

Examples of usage

  • That was a jolly good show!
  • I had a jolly good time at the party.

Translations

Translations of the word "jolly" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น alegre

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคธเคจเฅเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช frรถhlich

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ riang

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะตัะตะปะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ radosny

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้™ฝๆฐ—ใช

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท joyeux

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ alegre

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท neลŸeli

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ฆ๊ฑฐ์šด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุจุชู‡ุฌ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ veselรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ veselรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฟซไน็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vesel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ glaรฐlegur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบำฉาฃั–ะปะดั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฎแƒ˜แƒแƒ แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸษ™n

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ alegre

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,694, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.