happiness

[ hap-ee-nis ]

noun

1. the quality or state of being happy.

   Synonyms: contentedness, satisfaction, enjoyment, delight, bliss, exhilaration, joy, pleasure

   Antonyms: misery

2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

   Synonyms: contentedness, satisfaction, enjoyment, delight, bliss, exhilaration, joy, pleasure

Other Words From

• over·happi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of happiness¹

First recorded in 1520–30; happy + -ness

Synonym Study

Happiness, bliss, contentment, felicity imply an active or passive state of pleasure or pleasurable satisfaction. Happiness results from the possession or attainment of what one considers good: the happiness of visiting one's family. Bliss is unalloyed happiness or supreme delight: the bliss of perfect companionship. Contentment is a peaceful kind of happiness in which one rests without desires, even though every wish may not have been gratified: contentment in one's surroundings. Felicity is a formal word for happiness of an especially fortunate or intense kind: to wish a young couple felicity in life.

Example Sentences

It is the summit of human happiness: the surrender of man to God, of woman to man, of several women to the same man.

From The Daily Beast

The health, happiness and well-being of men, children and women improve.

From The Daily Beast

He should be free, filling the world with happiness, love and his fighting spirit.

From The Daily Beast

But she cautions against depending on getaways for happiness.

From The Daily Beast

Their bright eyes and wide, happy smiles have spread a feeling of happiness and hope across the art world and beyond.

From The Daily Beast

Very trim and strong, and confident he looked, with the glow of youth in his cheeks, and the spark of happiness in his gray eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Feeling secure regarding their happiness and welfare, she did not miss them except with an occasional intense longing.

From Project Gutenberg

How, then, are we to explain this extraordinary discrepancy between human power and resulting human happiness?

From Project Gutenberg

The vision of the universal happiness seen by the economists has proved a mirage.

From Project Gutenberg

That news has caused a quite universal happiness to this wretched community.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• bliss
• contentment
• delight
• elation
• enjoyment
• euphoria
• exhilaration
• glee
• joy
• jubilation
• laughter
• optimism
• peace of mind
• pleasure
• prosperity
• well-being