joviality

American  

[joh-vee-al-i-tee] / ˌdʒoʊ viˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

1. the state or quality of being jovial; merriment; jollity.

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Related Words

See mirth.

Etymology

Origin of joviality

First recorded in 1620–30; jovial + -ity; compare French jovialité

Explanation

Joviality is the characteristic of being cheerful and festive. If you're feeling a little blue, the joviality of a big family dinner might cheer you up. If you have the world's best Spanish teacher, she won't mind the joviality in the classroom on a Friday afternoon — as long as everyone is laughing and joking in Spanish! This noun evokes a sense of lightheartedness and goodwill, like the most fun and welcoming social event you can imagine. It comes from the adjective jovial, originally "pertaining to Jupiter." The cheerful implications come from astrology and the idea that people born under Jupiter's influence are jolly.

Example Sentences

Yonkers Trot champion Joviality S, the other filly in the field of 3-year-olds, got the No. 2 post and is the 7-2 second choice.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 2, 2022

Brian Sears won his 35th Crown, the most among active drivers, when he guided Joviality S to an 8-1 upset in the Filly Trot.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 29, 2021

Joviality and waggishness may not be traits you immediately associate with the Stalinist secret police.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2016

Slowly out of the stalls, she worked her way through to challenge Joviality, but was just outstayed.

From The Guardian • Jul. 30, 2012

Bred to improve from two to three, Bonfire has a half-sister, Joviality, who took the Musidora over the same course and distance at this meeting last year.

From The Guardian • May 16, 2012