gaiety

or gay·e·ty

[ gey-i-tee ]

noun

, plural gai·e·ties.

1. the state of being joyous, vivacious, or cheerful.

   Synonyms: cheerfulness, sportiveness, liveliness, joyousness, joviality, vivacity, hilarity, jollity, glee, mirth, merriment

   Antonyms: sadness

2. Often gaieties. merrymaking or festivity:

   the gaieties of the New Year season.

3. showiness; finery:

   gaiety of dress.

   Synonyms: gaudiness, flashiness, glitter, brilliance

gaiety

/ ˈɡeɪətɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being merry, bright, or lively
2. festivity; merrymaking

Usage

See gay

Other Words From

• su·per·gai·e·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gaiety¹

1625–35; < French gaieté, equivalent to gai gay + -té -ty ²

Example Sentences

With other backers including promoters SJM and Gaiety, it has ambitious plans to lure more major award shows, gigs and sporting events from the capital and elsewhere in the north of England.

From BBC

The gaiety stood in marked contrast to the solemn mood in the district attorney’s offices.

From Seattle Times

In 1842, the Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette wrote: "Such a scene of gaiety was never before witnessed on Salisbury Plain… Parties of gentlemen and elegantly dressed ladies were scattered about in all directions."

From BBC

Beneath the gaiety and carousing ran an undercurrent of anguish: The country remains locked in a ferocious war with Russia.

From Washington Times

Beneath the gaiety and carousing ran an undercurrent of anguish: the country remains locked in a ferocious war with Russia.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• good humor
• hilarity
• joie de vivre