joyful

[ joi-fuhl ]

adjective

1. full of joy, as a person or one's heart; glad; delighted.

   Synonyms: jubilant, elated, buoyant, blithe, happy, joyous

   Antonyms: melancholy

2. showing or expressing joy, as looks, actions, or speech.
3. causing or bringing joy, as an event, a sight, or news; delightful:

   the joyful announcement of their marriage.

joyful

/ ˈdʒɔɪfʊl /

adjective

1. full of joy; elated
2. expressing or producing joy

   a joyful look

   a joyful occasion

Derived Forms

• ˈjoyfulness, noun
• ˈjoyfully, adverb

Other Words From

• joyful·ly adverb
• joyful·ness noun
• over·joyful adjective
• over·joyful·ly adverb
• over·joyful·ness noun
• un·joyful adjective
• un·joyful·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of joyful¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; joy + -ful

Example Sentences

It’s perfunctory but it is less than joyful to behold.

From Salon

The ride is a joyful celebration.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve been writing my whole life. So, to get global recognition when competing with creators from across the world, has been a joyful experience,” she tells me.

From BBC

There was not much time to be joyful about her escape.

From Los Angeles Times

They are worried — or joyful — about Trump and his sequel.

From Salon

Related Words

• cheerful
• cheery
• ecstatic
• elated
• enjoyable
• festive
• heartening
• joyous
• jubilant
• lighthearted
• merry
• pleasurable
• rapturous
• upbeat