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Joyously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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joyously

[ˈdʒɔɪəsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

expressing happiness

Joyously is an adverb that describes an action performed with great happiness or joy. It indicates that the action is not only done, but done with a sense of delight and exuberance. Often used to convey the emotional state of a person, joyously enhances the description of activities such as celebrating or participating in joyful events. The word underscores the intensity of the happiness experienced during an action.

Synonyms

cheerfully, delightedly, exuberantly, happily.

Examples of usage

  • She danced joyously at the wedding.
  • He laughed joyously when he received the good news.
  • The children played joyously in the park.
  • They sang joyously during the festival.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, joy is considered a key element of well-being and is often associated with celebrations like weddings and festivals.
  • Traditional dances worldwide, such as the Brazilian Carnival, are performed joyously to express happiness through movement.
  • Music genres like gospel and ska often emphasize joyful themes in their lyrics and rhythms, creating an engaging atmosphere.

Psychology

  • Research shows that expressing joy can increase feelings of connection among people.
  • Joyful experiences release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce pain.
  • Psychologists suggest that remembering joyful moments can help counteract stress and anxiety.

Literature

  • Joyously often appears in poetry to evoke a strong emotional response, making the reader feel uplifted.
  • Classic authors such as William Wordsworth used joyously in their works to describe nature and the beauty of life.
  • In many children's stories, characters often act joyously when they achieve something important, reinforcing positive outcomes.

Origin of 'joyously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'joie,' which means joy.
  • It began to be used in English in the 15th century to express a state of happiness.
  • In Middle English, it was often spelled as 'ioyouse' before evolving into the modern form 'joyous.'

The word 'joyously' derives from the root word 'joy', which comes from the Old French 'joie' (meaning 'joy, pleasure, or delight'). The Old French term was adopted into Middle English as 'joie' and eventually evolved into 'joy' in modern usage. The suffix '-ously' is used to form an adverb, which indicates the manner in which an action is conducted. Therefore, 'joyously' directly reflects the manner of experiencing or expressing joy. The term has evolved over centuries to capture the essence of happiness and is often affiliated with celebrations, accomplishments, and high spirits. It has been a part of the English lexicon since at least the late 14th century and continues to be used widely in various contexts to convey a sense of exuberant delight.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,192, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.