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Reveling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reveling

[ˈrɛvəlɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

celebratory enjoyment

Reveling refers to the act of engaging in lively and noisy festivities or celebrations. It often involves indulgence in pleasure, excitement, or joy, commonly associated with parties, festivities, or other joyful gatherings. When people are reveling, they typically express their happiness through dancing, singing, or other forms of entertainment. The term emphasizes a carefree spirit and can sometimes suggest excess or exuberance in celebration.

Synonyms

celebrating, enjoying, partying, rejoicing.

Examples of usage

  • They were reveling in the success of their project.
  • The crowd began reveling as the band started to play.
  • We spent the evening reveling with friends at the beach party.
  • She was reveling in the spotlight during her performance.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Reveling is often depicted in movies and songs that celebrate life's joyous moments, such as festivals and parties.
  • The famous song 'Celebration' by Kool & The Gang encourages everyone to engage in reveling with friends.
  • Events like Mardi Gras or Carnival are known for their extravagant reveling, featuring parades, music, and dancing.

Psychology

  • Engaging in reveling can boost mood and provide social bonding, which is essential for mental well-being.
  • Studies suggest that communal celebrations and reveling can reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness.
  • Participating in joyous activities is linked to the release of dopamine, a brain chemical related to pleasure and reward.

Literature

  • Reveling is a common theme in literature, often showcased in works celebrating life, such as Shakespeare's festive plays like 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.
  • In poetry, authors frequently use reveling to convey the beauty of life and the importance of joy amidst struggles.
  • Celebratory scenes in novels often reflect the growth and development of characters, marking significant turning points.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have specific festivals dedicated to reveling, like Diwali in India, known for its lights and joyful celebrations.
  • In ancient cultures, reveling was an integral part of harvest festivals, marking the end of planting season with joy and gratitude.
  • Carnivals around the world often include masquerades and dancing, where reveling becomes a communal expression of fun and joy.

Origin of 'reveling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'revelen', which means to carouse or indulge in joyous activities.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Old French 'revele' meaning 'to frolic', showing its long history tied to celebration.
  • In Latin, the word 'revelatio' relates to uncovering, hinting at the idea of revealing joy through festivities.

The word 'reveling' originates from the Middle English term 'revelen', which means to make merry or to engage in festivities. This term traces back to the Old French word 'revele', meaning to arise or wake up, which itself comes from the Latin 'rebellare'. The initial connotation of the word was related to the act of waking or coming to life, which has evolved over time to signify lively enjoyment or celebration. Reveling has been associated with various cultural festivities, including holidays and celebrations throughout history, often involving indulgence in food, drink, and entertainment. The practice of reveling has deep roots in many societies, echoing the human inclination towards gathering and celebrating significant events.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,452 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.