by Dictionary Scoop
For Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip, happiness is a warm puppy. For some, it’s a habit. For others, it is a philosophy, a quest, or an ideal, among many other things.
Join us on a linguistic journey through the lexicon of happiness, discovering the many shades and hues that color our most joyful moments.
1 Euphoria
Euphoria is a word derived from the Greek word euphoros , which means ‘bearing well.’ This idiom is used to describe a profound and exhilarating sense of joy and elation (more on this one later) that goes beyond conventional happiness.
Euphoria is a state of intense and overwhelming bliss, often linked to extraordinary experiences or events. This term isn’t merely about feeling content or pleased; it’s about experiencing a surge of heightened emotions that transcend the ordinary. You are not simply happy, you are euphoric.
2 Merriment
Coming from the Old French merriment, this term describes the conviviality and cheerfulness present in shared moments of joy and celebration. It captures the essence of a lively atmosphere filled with laughter, amusement, and unrestrained exultation.
“Merriment” is a word that often finds its place during festivities or gatherings, highlighting the contagious nature of happiness that spreads among individuals in a collective celebration. It embodies not just personal happiness but also the shared joy.
3 On Cloud Nine
Aside from being a George Harrison album, the expression “on cloud nine” has always been a description of extreme happiness. Someone who is on cloud nine is experiencing a euphoric sensation.
The expression itself comes from the classifications of clouds defined by the US Weather Bureau in the 1950s, in which ‘Cloud Nine’ is listed as the fluffy cumulonimbus type considered to be the most attractive of all cloud formations.
4 Gaiety
Another word emerging from the Old French, gaiete translates into “gaiety”, a term that embodies a spirited and cheerful attitude. It is used to describe a sense of lightheartedness and exuberance, reflecting the carefree aspects of happiness.
The essence of this term lies in the unreserved expression of happiness that, much like the case of merriment, is often found in moments of shared laughter and shared experiences, where the carefree spirit uplifts both individuals and the collective mood.
5 Elation
The many nuances of happiness have exact terms to describe every single one. Derived from the Latin elatio, meaning “a raising up”, elation represents a profound sense of happiness.
To be elated is to be in an uplifted mood, to experience a feeling of jubilation and a surge of positive emotions that significantly elevate one’s spirits. Elation often accompanies moments of personal triumph or success, embodying a state where one feels almost lifted to a higher emotional plane due to the intensity of one’s happiness.
6 Felicity
Another word derived from Latin, felicities translates to “happiness”. The term felicity transmits a deep and enduring sense of joy and contentment. It represents a state of true and intense happiness and fulfillment, often associated with a sense of well-being and satisfaction.
To find perfect felicity is to find a happy place for oneself. It might be a simple pleasure as sitting in silence with a book on a comfortable couch or something more profound like achieving a personal goal and taking the time to enjoy it.
7 Blithe
The word “blithe” also has a less favorable definition: someone who doesn’t give enough consideration to a certain issue. Here, we are focusing on the more positive use of the term. Rooted in Old English bilge, this word is used to describe a cheerful demeanor. It expresses a light-hearted and joyous state, with an absence of worry or trouble.
The term blithe captures a sense of untroubled happiness and a cheerful, carefree attitude toward life in general.
8 Ecstatic
A state of joy so extreme that makes one feel like being part of an out-of-body experience, the term “ecstatic” comes from the Greek ekstatikos, which quite literally means “to be outside oneself”.
The word ecstatic embodies an overwhelming and heightened state of joy and rapture. It describes an intense emotional experience, where one feels transported beyond normal boundaries of happiness.
9 Exultant
An apt description for when feeling triumphantly happy, the word “exultant” derives from the Latin exsultare which means “to leap up”. It expresses an exuberant and victorious sense of joy, a jubilant celebration or rejoicing, often following a significant achievement or success.
Whether celebrating a significant milestone, being promoted at work, or achieving a long-desired goal, feeling exultant is the natural response.
10 Jubilant
Rooted in the Latin jubilatio meaning “to shout for joy”, the word jubilant represents an exultant and euphoric state of celebration. It embodies an unrestrained and joyous expression of happiness, often associated with revelry, cheering, and a sense of triumph.
A term that can be aptly associated with cheering crowds in any kind of event, jubilant ties directly to the idea of vocalizing joy, emphasizing the exultant and euphoric nature of this profound emotional state.
11 Blissful
A word that expresses a calmer kind of happiness than most of the ones showcased in this list, “blissful” is derived from the Old English bliss, which embodies a state of profound and serene happiness.
This term describes an overwhelming sense of contentment, tranquility, and joy, often associated with an idyllic and serene state of being. To be blissful is to experience a deep and enduring form of happiness, where one feels completely at peace with oneself and fulfilled.
12 Over the Moon
A popular contemporary expression, “over the moon” describes a feeling of immense happiness or delight. It conveys the idea of being so elated that one feels as if they have soared past the moon, signifying a state of sheer ecstasy and euphoria.
The origin of this expression comes from a well-known 16th-century nursery rhyme called ‘Hey Diddle Diddle’ (originally written as ‘High Diddle Diddle’). The rhyme itself has no meaning, but it says: “Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon. The little dog laughed to see such fun and the dish ran away with the spoon!”
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