felicity

¹

[ fi-lis-i-tee ]

noun

, plural fe·lic·i·ties.

1. the state of being happy, especially in a high degree; bliss:

   marital felicity.

2. an instance of this.
3. a source of happiness.
4. a skillful faculty:

   felicity of expression.

5. an instance or display of this:

   the many felicities of the poem.

6. Archaic. good fortune.

Felicity

²

[ fi-lis-i-tee ]

noun

1. a female given name, form of Felicia.

felicity

/ fɪˈlɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. happiness; joy
2. a cause of happiness
3. an appropriate expression or style
4. the quality or display of such expressions or style
5. philosophy appropriateness (of a speech act). The performative I appoint you ambassador can only possess felicity if uttered by one in whom the authority for such appointments is vested

Other Words From

• nonfe·lici·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of felicity¹

1350–1400; Middle English felicite (from Anglo-French ) from Latin fēlīcitās, equivalent to fēlīci- (stem of fēlīx ) “happy” + -tās -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of felicity¹

C14: from Latin fēlīcitās happiness, from fēlix happy

Synonym Study

See happiness.

Example Sentences

Blackhawk’s account of Native Americans over the past five centuries is among five nominees for the Mark Lynton History Prize, a $10,000 award given for work which “combines intellectual distinction with felicity of expression.”

From Seattle Times

During Tuesday’s ceremony, Ekhtiari said the celebration belongs to everyone and is a symbol of “felicity, respect to humanity and nature as well as human beings .”

From Seattle Times

Through whatever felicities of matching actor to well-written role, the cast is shown off to particularly good advantage.

From Los Angeles Times

I wish his telescopes and mathematical instruments, however, may secure his felicity.

From Literature

In other words, “Luck” takes things that are intangible — in this case, random felicity and affliction — and imagines them as palpable.

From Washington Post