Rejoice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rejoice

[rɪˈdʒɔɪs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

feel or show great joy or delight

Synonyms

be delighted, be happy, celebrate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rejoice

This word is typically used in formal or religious contexts and involves a deep, often spiritual sense of joy. It can be used to express happiness for significant events or achievements.

  • The community rejoiced at the news of the successful mission.
  • Let us rejoice in the blessings we have received.
celebrate

This word is used when marking a special occasion or achievement with a social or public event, often involving festivities.

  • We will celebrate his birthday with a big party.
  • The team celebrated their victory by going out to dinner.
be happy

This is a general term used to describe a state of overall well-being or contentment. It is widely applicable in everyday situations.

  • I am happy with my new job.
  • He seems happy living in the countryside.
be delighted

This phrase is used when expressing a specific and often temporary sense of pleasure or satisfaction. It's more about a specific event or action that brings joy.

  • She was delighted to receive the award.
  • I am delighted to meet you.

Examples of usage

  • he rejoiced when he heard the good news
  • we rejoiced at the thought of seeing her again
Context #2 | Noun

formal

the action or process of rejoicing

Synonyms

celebration, happiness, joy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rejoice

Rejoice, as mentioned, embodies a strong, often publicly expressed, feeling of joy, frequently seen in historical, religious, or formal narratives.

  • The people rejoiced at the end of the war.
  • They rejoice in each other's company.
celebration

Celebration is typically used to describe a social event or gathering where people come together to mark a happy occasion or milestone.

  • The office held a celebration for her retirement.
  • They had a celebration for their wedding anniversary.
happiness

Happiness is used to describe a general state of well-being and contentment, not necessarily tied to a specific event.

  • Her happiness was evident in her smile.
  • Finding a job that she loves brings her immense happiness.
joy

Joy is similar to happiness but often denotes a more intense emotion of great pleasure or elation, and is often used in both everyday and formal contexts.

  • The sight of her children playing brought her immense joy.
  • He felt a surge of joy when he won the award.

Examples of usage

  • the rejoicing of the people was evident in the streets
  • there was much rejoicing at the successful outcome

Translations

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

Origin of 'rejoice'

The word 'rejoice' originated from Middle English 'rejoisen', from Old French 'rejouir', based on Latin 're-' (expressing intensive force) + 'gaudere' (to rejoice). The sense of 'feel joy' dates back to the late 14th century.


See also: enjoy, joy, joyful, joyfully, joyfulness, joylessly, joyous, overjoyed, unjoyfully.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,657 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.