delighted laugh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delighted laugh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a laugh that expresses joy or happiness, often in response to something amusing or heartwarming. Example: "Her delighted laugh filled the room, making everyone around her smile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

There is a pause and then a delighted laugh.

The Guardian

Not a mocking laugh but a fluttery, delighted laugh.

The New Yorker

"Maybe we'd be celebrating our 15th anniversary now!" And again, he gives that delighted laugh.

The Guardian

"Black raspberry," chipmunk-me said with a delighted laugh of surprise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She has just spied a pair of men's Adidas sneakers by the front door of her New York State country home, and with a delighted laugh slips them on to take her two rowdy dogs out for a walk.

The New York Times

"Who's going to be an Eagle Scout?" Mr. Romney asked, prompting a half-dozen arms to shoot up — which, for some reason, caused the candidate to give a big, delighted laugh.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He gave me an affidavit and was delighted and laughed when I won.

The Guardian - Music

This was the sound of delighted children laughing and giggling as they played on the playground.

Huffington Post

"Delighted, absolutely delighted," she said.

Los Angeles Times

Impossible to say for sure, though the last lines he wrote offer a clue: "She's standing and squinting, eyes half-closed from the sun / And laughing, delighted at what's still to come".

The New Yorker

In delighted disbelief, I was laughing, too.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the emotional impact, follow "delighted laugh" with descriptive details of the situation that caused such a positive reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "delighted laugh" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions of laughter to keep your prose fresh and engaging. Try using alternatives such as "gleeful laugh" or "joyful chuckle".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delighted laugh" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "delighted" modifies the noun "laugh", adding specificity by describing the quality of the laugh. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delighted laugh" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to depict a specific expression of joy or amusement. Ludwig's analysis shows it's most commonly found in news and media sources. While the phrase is acceptable, you may need to consider less common alternatives, such as "gleeful laugh" or "joyful chuckle". Ensure that its usage aligns with the tone and context of your writing. By understanding its nuances, you can effectively convey genuine happiness in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elated laugh

Expresses a heightened sense of joy and excitement in the laughter.

gleeful laugh

Emphasizes the exuberance and excitement behind the laughter.

jovial laugh

Conveys a feeling of good humor and friendliness.

charmed laugh

Implies the laughter is a reaction to something pleasing or enchanting.

joyful chuckle

Replaces the intensity of the laugh with a more gentle and contained expression of amusement.

pleased chuckle

Similar to joyful chuckle, but with a touch more satisfaction or contentment.

merry laugh

Evokes a sense of cheerfulness and lightheartedness.

happy guffaw

Replaces "laugh" with a more boisterous and hearty expression of laughter.

amused giggle

Conveys a lighter, more playful form of laughter.

tickled snicker

Suggests the laugh is a suppressed or quiet reaction to something amusing.

FAQs

How can I describe a laugh that is more than just happy?

The phrase "delighted laugh" suggests a higher degree of joy and pleasure. You might also consider using phrases like "gleeful laugh" or "elated laugh" to convey even stronger feelings of happiness.

What's the difference between a "delighted laugh" and a "happy laugh"?

While both describe positive emotions, a "delighted laugh" implies a stronger sense of pleasure or satisfaction. "Happy laugh" is more general, whereas "delighted laugh" suggests the person is particularly pleased or thrilled by something.

Is "delighted laugh" suitable for formal writing?

While "delighted laugh" is perfectly acceptable, in formal writing, you might consider using more nuanced descriptions of laughter to reflect the specific context and tone. For example, a "pleased chuckle" might be suitable in a business context where overt expressions of joy are less common.

Are there situations where "delighted laugh" might not be appropriate?

In contexts involving grief, serious discussions, or somber events, a "delighted laugh" would be inappropriate. Ensure your descriptions align with the overall tone and emotional landscape of your writing.