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

Other Word Forms

• joyfully adverb
• joyfulness noun
• overjoyful adjective
• overjoyfully adverb
• overjoyfulness noun
• unjoyful adjective
• unjoyfully adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of joyful¹

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

Example Sentences

“As much as it’s joyful, it’s also a very serious opportunity.”

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Frank, full of character and occasionally disorienting, this collection of his work is a joyful depiction of a uniquely American quirk.

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From an early age growing up in the Bay Area city of Saratoga, Amelia was always the center of attention — “exuberant, silly, joyful,” her mother recalled.

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The Incorrigibles looked at her with an expression of joyful surprise.

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“From previous projects, I know his process is incredibly joyful and full of laughter. So I knew I could look forward to the experience.”

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Related Words

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