Joy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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joy
[dʒɔɪ ]
Definitions
feeling
A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| joy |
Typically used to describe a strong, lasting feeling of great happiness or satisfaction often linked with significant events or achievements.
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| happiness |
A general state of well-being and contentment, often considered as a long-term or continuous emotional state.
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| delight |
Often used to express a sudden or unexpected feeling of great pleasure or satisfaction, usually in response to something specific.
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| pleasure |
Refers to a feeling of satisfaction or enjoyment often derived from specific activities or experiences.
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Examples of usage
- I cried tears of joy when I heard the good news.
- The children were squealing with joy as they played in the park.
- We danced with joy at the celebration.
source of happiness
A thing that causes joy.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| joy |
Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness, often used in more profound or spiritual contexts. It is often associated with emotions in special moments or achievements.
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| delight |
Delight is a strong feeling of happiness and satisfaction, often used when someone experiences something pleasing or enjoyable. It can also refer to a source of great pleasure.
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| pleasure |
Pleasure refers to a feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment and can be used in many contexts, often when discussing enjoyable experiences or moments. It can sometimes imply indulgence.
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| happiness |
Happiness is a state of being happy, typically associated with contentment and well-being over a period of time. It is often used in both everyday and formal contexts as a general term for feeling good.
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Examples of usage
- Her smile was a joy to behold.
- The success of the project was a great joy to the team.
- Watching the sunset is a simple joy of life.
rejoice
To feel great pleasure or happiness.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| joy |
Used to express great happiness or pleasure, often in a personal or emotional context.
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| rejoice |
Used to express a very strong and often public feeling of joy, sometimes with a formal or religious connotation.
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| celebrate |
Used when referring to marking an event or occasion with festivities or special activities.
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| be glad |
Used in everyday conversations to express being happy or pleased about something. It’s more neutral and can be used in various situations.
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Examples of usage
- We joyed in the success of our hard work.
- She joyed at the thought of seeing her family again.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that feeling joy can boost your immune system and overall health.
- Joy triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.
- Engaging in joyful activities can enhance mental well-being and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Cultural Significance
- Many cultures celebrate joy through festivals, such as Holi in India, which signifies the arrival of spring with colors and laughter.
- The holiday season around the world often emphasizes joy through gatherings, shared meals, and gift-giving.
- Art and music often express joy, from Beethoven's cheerful symphonies to joyful folk dances in various cultures.
Literature
- Joy is a common theme in literature, often representing the peak of human experience, as seen in Shakespeare's plays.
- Characters in novels often search for joy, illustrating the human quest for happiness, as in the works of Charles Dickens.
- Poetry often encapsulates the feeling of joy, offering vivid imagery to evoke happiness, like in Wordsworth's nature-inspired verses.
Science
- Research in positive psychology emphasizes the role of joy in fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.
- Joy can be measured biologically; neuroimaging studies reveal how joy activates specific areas of the brain.
- Experiencing joy can improve social connections, as people are naturally drawn to those who spread happiness.
Origin of 'joy'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'joy' comes from the Old French 'joie', which means happiness or delight.
- In Latin, 'gaudium' also means joy, showing how different languages have similar words for happiness.
- The term has roots in the Proto-Indo-European word 'dieu', which also relates to the concept of divine or spiritual pleasure.
The word 'joy' originated from the Old French word 'joie', which came from the Latin word 'gaudia' meaning 'rejoicing'. Throughout history, 'joy' has been associated with feelings of happiness, pleasure, and delight. It is a universal emotion that brings people together in moments of celebration and contentment.
See also: enjoy, joyful, joyfully, joyfulness, joylessly, joyous, overjoyed, rejoice, unjoyfully.