cry of delight

USAGE SUMMARY

'cry of delight' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's spontaneous, passionate expression of joy or pleasure. For example, "The crowd erupted into a cry of delight as the home team scored the winning goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was a cry of delight: The place had a garbage disposal!

The New York Times

A digger finishing preparations on "Bali" prompted a cry of delight from the toddler.

The Guardian - Travel

Robert Devecchi, the president emeritus of the I.R.C., arrived, leaning on a cane, and Ullmann gave a cry of delight.

The New Yorker

Eyes glistening, a cry of delight escaped the old veteran's lips: "Oh! Isn't this lovely, lovely?" Mr. Pettinelli fastened it to the former prisoner's left wrist.

The New York Times

He leaves just before dessert, to the sound of an omen of France's near future: "The last thing he heard from the table of Germans was a cry of delight as the liqueurs in the crepe pan were set ablaze".

The New York Times - Books

Whilst this is the case, which object of speech, be it an entreaty, a groan, a cry of delight, a curse or scream, is still the same as it was at source?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

At first she utters her usual hyperbolic cries of delight.

The New York Times

When the foreman read out the first "not guilty" they uttered muffled cries of delight.

The Guardian

I devoured my okonomiyakiand my eyes glazed over as I uttered faint little cries of delight".

The New York Times - Books

The implications are still clear enough to elicit cries of delight from an audience primed for vicarious bedroom thrills.

The New York Times - Arts

A dozen high-maintenance Indian WAGs in pastel-coloured salwar-kameezes and shimmery cotton blouses, sat around a table chatting, uttering theatrical cries of delight or dismay.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "cry of delight" to vividly portray a moment of sudden and intense happiness. It's particularly effective when describing reactions to unexpected good news or achieving a long-awaited goal.

Common error

While "cry of delight" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "expression of joy" or "gleeful response" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry of delight" functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI indicates that it describes a passionate expression of joy or pleasure. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a specific instance of joyful vocalization.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Books

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry of delight" effectively captures a spontaneous expression of intense joy. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Though categorized as uncommon, its usage spans various contexts, primarily in news, books, and arts. When writing, consider the level of formality required; while acceptable in many situations, more neutral alternatives might suit highly formal settings. As a final tip, use "cry of delight" to make your writing more vivid by describing reactions to unexpected good news or achieving a long-awaited goal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cry of happiness

A more general term expressing joy, potentially less intense than "cry of delight".

exuberant cry

Highlights the enthusiasm and energy behind the expression.

shout of joy

Emphasizes the loudness and exuberance of the expression.

cry of contentment

Signifies satisfaction and peace, a quieter form of delight.

squeal of excitement

Suggests a higher-pitched, often childlike, expression of delight.

burst of elation

Focuses on the sudden and intense feeling of joy.

gleeful exclamation

Highlights the feeling of gladness and the act of exclaiming.

whoop of pleasure

Suggests a boisterous and unrestrained expression of enjoyment.

expression of joy

A broader, more formal way to describe showing happiness.

triumphal shout

Suggests a loud cry of rejoicing and success.

FAQs

What's a good way to use "cry of delight" in a sentence?

You can use "cry of delight" to describe a sudden, joyful reaction. For instance, "A "cry of delight" erupted from the crowd when the winning goal was scored."

Are there any synonyms for "cry of delight"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "shout of joy", "squeal of excitement", or "gleeful exclamation" depending on the context.

Is "cry of delight" formal or informal?

"Cry of delight" is suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. However, in highly formal or academic settings, alternatives like "expression of joy" may be more appropriate.

What emotions does "cry of delight" convey?

"Cry of delight" conveys a strong feeling of happiness, elation, and joy, often expressed spontaneously and intensely.