Joy
n.joyfulwarm
Meaning 1
A strong feeling of happiness that makes a moment feel especially welcome.
Reach for it when naming the emotion itself in a card, reflection, or celebration
Quiet joy spread through the room when the family heard the good news.
Choose between these
5- everyday
the emphasis is on visible good spirits
not when Cheer does not name the same depth of inward happiness.
- everyday
the feeling is broad and familiar
not when Happiness can be mild or lasting; choose joy when the feeling is vivid and uplifting.
- warm
pleasant surprise is central to the feeling
not when Delight sounds lighter than joy when the emotion carries deep personal meaning.
- formal
success has produced a soaring emotional high
not when Elation overstates a quiet, settled pleasure.
- literary
a gentle, sincere happiness suits reflective prose
not when Gladness may sound old-fashioned in a modern resume or business note.
Meaning 2
A person, activity, or thing that repeatedly brings happiness.
Reach for it when calling someone or something a source of delight
Teaching her grandson to bake became one of Mara's greatest joys.
Choose between these
3- playful
bright spot
something improves an otherwise difficult day or period
not when A bright spot suggests contrast with trouble, not happiness that stands on its own.
- everyday
an activity gives dependable enjoyment
not when Pleasure is cooler and less affectionate when describing a beloved person.
- warm
the person or thing is deeply valued as well as enjoyed
not when Treasure implies preciousness, which is too strong for a simple pleasant pastime.
Said against
3- sorrow
- misery
- burden
It naturally appears in
3- pure joy
The puppy's return brought pure joy to the children.
- tears of joy
Tears of joy appeared when the final name was announced.
- a source of joy
The shared garden became a source of joy for the whole street.
Where this comes from
- merriam-webster, noun sense 1a opens in a new tab for meaning 1 · retrieved 2026-07-26
- merriam-webster, noun sense 3 opens in a new tab for meaning 2 · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.