happiness

[hap-ee-nis]

noun

1. the quality or state of being happy.

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

2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

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

Other Word Forms

• overhappiness 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

Mike was cocky and overconfident and Jordan was just concerned with Megan’s happiness.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And Vanderbilt—the losingest program in Southeastern Conference history—is suddenly a football happiness machine.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The team will continue rehearsals and explore alternative performance options, as this is what brings us the most happiness," the play's cast said in a statement.

Read more on Barron's

That first ovation came after Coalhouse and Sarah pledge their love and sing of a horizon of happiness in the soaring duet “Wheels of a Dream”—a beautiful highlight of a score overflowing with them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Giving this happiness to these people is enormous," said head coach Bubista.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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