gleeful
GLEE-ful
/ˈɡliː.fəl/
Exultant or triumphantly joyful.
Often implies playful, mischievous, or childlike delight in a situation.
The story behind the word. From Old English 'gliew', which originally denoted musical entertainment, song, and joyful play in Anglo-Saxon halls.
Word relationships
- mirthful: 'Mirthful' relates to laughter and social humor, while 'gleeful' can carry a mischievous edge.
- gloomy: 'Gloomy' describes a dark, depressed state.
Commonly confused with
- guileful: 'Guileful' means deceitful or sly, while 'gleeful' means full of joy.
Word family
- glee (noun): Great delight or excitement.
- gleefully (adverb): In a gleeful manner.
Collocations
- gleeful laugh
- gleeful smile
- gleeful shout
- gleeful delight
Idioms & expressions
- rub hands with glee
Example sentences
- "The children gave a gleeful shout when they woke up to find school was canceled." Childhood play
Memory hook
GLEEFUL — GLEE Club singers giggling with joyful music. Giggling with playful delight.
When not to use
Avoid using for grand, dignified, or solemn occasions.
Fun facts
- A 'glee club' originally referred to a singing group dedicated to performing short, harmonious songs called 'glees'.
Explore more words
exuberant, ebullient, elated, enthusiastic, boisterous, exhilarating
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