a joyful memory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a joyful memory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a pleasant or happy recollection from the past. Example: "Looking through old photographs always brings back a joyful memory of our family vacations at the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The Forgotten Ones created a joyful memory during a painful time.

Huffington Post

Sure, maybe you can have a joyful memory but isn't that just a pale copy?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Residents were really annoyed about all the lube because the playground had only recently been transformed from a dilapidated 30-year-old playground to a £40,000 [$62,000], unlubed-slide-and-rubber-safety-tile extravaganza, but now all those joyful memories of laughing on swings and spinning on a merry-go-round to the point of nausea have been ruined by a slick of sex jelly.

Vice

This is amplified by the film's main setting, an amusement park ostensibly designed for parents hoping to instill joyful memories in their young children.

Vice

Gradually, that hole has been filling with joyful memories of times with him, noticing messages from Dad floating on a breeze, remembering words of encouragement to me, "Just let your imagination run wild," and seeing him in my own behaviors.

Huffington Post

He leaves us with endless joyful memories.

The New York Times

We will forever treasure our friendship and the joyful memories we shared together.

The New York Times

With determined action, the international community can ensure that the hopes of another generation of Iranians do not go unfulfilled, and that their joyful memories do not come only on the soccer pitch.

The New York Times

But carbs in carbs with carbs (and fat!) didn't seem to do the slim seven-year-old running fanatic I was then too much harm – and what joyful memories I have.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Generally, over time sorrow turns into joyful memories.

Huffington Post

In contrast, joyful memories were experienced more intensely and vividly by the volunteers who had taken ecstasy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to evoke a sense of happiness from the past, use "a joyful memory" to specifically emphasize the pleasure and positive emotions associated with that recollection. This is especially effective in narratives, personal essays, or commemorative speeches.

Common error

Avoid using "a joyful memory" when describing situations that are only mildly positive or neutral. The word "joyful" implies a high degree of happiness, so using it inappropriately can sound insincere or exaggerated. Consider using alternatives like "pleasant" or "fond" if the memory evokes lighter emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a joyful memory" functions as a noun phrase, where "joyful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "memory". Ludwig AI highlights its use in describing positive recollections, contributing to descriptive and narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a joyful memory" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing a positive recollection, though its usage is relatively rare. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, recommending it for narratives and personal essays when aiming to evoke happiness. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context warrants the strong positive connotation of "joyful". Alternatives like "a happy memory" or "a cherished memory" offer nuanced ways to express positive recollections. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to convey significance and pleasure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a happy memory

Replaces "joyful" with "happy", indicating general contentment.

a cherished memory

Substitutes "joyful" with "cherished", emphasizing the precious and valued nature of the memory.

a pleasant memory

Uses "pleasant" instead of "joyful", suggesting a mild and agreeable recollection.

a delightful memory

Replaces "joyful" with "delightful", indicating a memory that brings great pleasure.

a fond memory

Substitutes "joyful" with "fond", implying affection and tenderness in the recollection.

a treasured memory

Uses "treasured" instead of "joyful", highlighting the importance and value of the memory.

a sweet memory

Replaces "joyful" with "sweet", conveying a sense of gentle happiness and warmth.

a beautiful memory

Substitutes "joyful" with "beautiful", emphasizing the aesthetic or emotional loveliness of the memory.

a precious memory

Uses "precious" instead of "joyful", underscoring the irreplaceability and value of the memory.

a wonderful memory

Replaces "joyful" with "wonderful", indicating a memory that is exceptionally good and pleasing.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a joyful memory" and "a happy memory"?

While both phrases describe positive recollections, "a joyful memory" suggests a more intense and exuberant feeling of happiness than "a happy memory", which can be used for milder instances of contentment.

What are some situations where I might use the phrase "a joyful memory"?

You can use "a joyful memory" when recalling significant positive events like weddings, births, successful achievements, or any experience that brought profound happiness.

Can I use "a joyful memory" to describe something that happened recently?

Yes, "a joyful memory" can be used to describe recent events, provided they evoked strong feelings of joy. It emphasizes that the event is not just a happy occurrence but a cherished recollection.

What can I say instead of "a joyful memory" if I want to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "a cherished memory" or "a treasured memory". These alternatives convey the importance and value of the recollection in a more sophisticated manner.