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.
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.
| Meaning 1 | Meaning 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| playful | ||
| everyday |
| |
| warm |
| |
| formal | ||
| literary |
everyday
Fits when the emphasis is on visible good spirits
Careful Cheer does not name the same depth of inward happiness.
everyday
Fits when the feeling is broad and familiar
Careful Happiness can be mild or lasting; choose joy when the feeling is vivid and uplifting.
warm
Fits when pleasant surprise is central to the feeling
Careful Delight sounds lighter than joy when the emotion carries deep personal meaning.
formal
Fits when success has produced a soaring emotional high
Careful Elation overstates a quiet, settled pleasure.
literary
Fits when a gentle, sincere happiness suits reflective prose
Careful Gladness may sound old-fashioned in a modern resume or business note.
playful
bright spot
Fits when something improves an otherwise difficult day or period
Careful A bright spot suggests contrast with trouble, not happiness that stands on its own.
everyday
Fits when an activity gives dependable enjoyment
Careful Pleasure is cooler and less affectionate when describing a beloved person.
warm
Fits when the person or thing is deeply valued as well as enjoyed
Careful Treasure implies preciousness, which is too strong for a simple pleasant pastime.
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.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated
Your browser isn't saving lists, so this one will be cleared when you leave the page.