Gladden
v.joyful, hopefulliterary
What it means
To bring welcome happiness or lift someone's spirits.
Reach for it when describing a modest cause of sincere pleasure, often in reflective writing
The first blossom will gladden everyone who tended the damaged garden.
Choose between these
6- playful
a small change makes a day or place happier
not when Brighten may concern light or appearance rather than inward gladness.
- everyday
someone's mood becomes brighter after difficulty
not when Cheer can mean encourage or applaud, so the intended action may be unclear.
- everyday
ordinary satisfaction or approval is enough
not when Please is cooler and less evocative than a moment that gladdens the heart.
- warm
the pleasure is vivid and directly caused
not when Delight is stronger and can overstate a quiet reassuring sign.
- warm
the event renews courage as well as happiness
not when Heartening is an adjective and fits the effect better than the action.
- professional
mood or morale improves in a broader group
not when Uplift can sound abstract and promotional beside a specific personal pleasure.
Said against
3- sadden
- dishearten
- distress
It naturally appears in
3- gladden the heart
News of the safe return will gladden the heart of every volunteer.
- gladden visitors
Spring color should gladden visitors without hiding the memorial's purpose.
- sure to gladden
The repaired carousel is sure to gladden its former riders.