merriment
MER-i-munt
/ˈmer.i.mənt/
Gaiety and fun, especially expressed with laughter.
Refers to communal, festive celebration characterized by cheerfulness and shared laughter.
The story behind the word. Evolved from Old English 'myrge', meaning pleasing or short and sweet (as in time passing agreeably during a festival).
Word relationships
- jollity: 'Jollity' stresses lively, boisterous good humor, while 'merriment' emphasizes lighthearted social cheer.
- gloom: 'Gloom' represents darkness and oppressive sadness.
Commonly confused with
- marinement: 'Marinement' is not a word; do not confuse with 'marinate' (soaking food).
Word family
- merry (adjective): Cheerful and lively.
- merrily (adverb): In a cheerful manner.
Collocations
- festive merriment
- scene of merriment
- general merriment
- cause merriment
Idioms & expressions
- make merry
Example sentences
- "Sounds of laughter and merriment filled the warm tavern throughout the holiday feast." Festive gathering narrative
Memory hook
MERRIMENT — MERRY men in the forest sharing jokes and laughter. Shared festive cheer and laughter.
When not to use
Do not use for solitary, quiet, or meditative moments of happiness.
Fun facts
- In Early Modern English, 'merry' could also mean short or swift, because pleasant activities made time seem to pass quickly.
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