filled with glee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled with glee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of extreme happiness or joy. Example: "After receiving the good news, she was filled with glee and couldn't stop smiling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

I looked over at Jonathan and he was filled with glee.

The Guardian - Film

But surprise, surprise, not everyone is filled with glee at the prospect.

The Guardian - Sport

"I know the subject matter's dire, but I was filled with glee and a sense of power, a sense that I knew how to do this.

The New Yorker

-"I'm filled with glee that I get to take part in 'The Nutcracker"' through "Nut/Cracked," Mr. Parker said, adding that other dancers dread "Nutcracker" season because "you feel like you're working the party, not going to the party".

The New York Times

One of his popular opening numbers (he writes more than half the songs he performs) is "The New Depression," which begins, "They say it's the new depression / So why am I filled with glee?

The New Yorker

And so the Spaniards brought to book George Bush's friend and hero, By opting for José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.BY CONTRAST, for some others, the votes were trouble-free; Malaysia and El Salvador had rulers filled with glee.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I only have to pull out one of these tiny little containers and watch Amos's eyes fill with glee as Griffin giggles and smiles.

Huffington Post

She is professional and serious, but quick to a certain kind of laughter that's filled with smoky glee.

The Guardian - Film

As a bright young thing — which, it could be argued, is what he remained until almost his dying day — Noël Coward wrote letters filled with effusive glee.

The New York Times - Books

The snow continued all day, and as we made our way down the misty runs, dusted by the flakes, we were filled with childlike glee.

The New York Times - Travel

"Daddy, we've got you a surprise!" a little voice filled with Christmas glee shouted.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "filled with glee" to vividly depict a character's or subject's intense happiness, especially when reacting to a specific event or piece of news. The phrase adds color and emotion to your writing.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "filled with glee" in close proximity. Vary your descriptions of happiness by using synonyms or alternative phrases such as "overjoyed" or "delighted" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled with glee" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being intensely happy or joyful. It typically follows a linking verb (e.g., 'was', 'seemed', 'became'). According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Reference

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "filled with glee" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to express a strong feeling of joy or delight. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral level of formality. While effective for conveying strong positive emotions, it's wise to vary your language by using synonyms like "overjoyed" or "delighted" to avoid repetition. Remember to tailor your choice of words to suit the tone and context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overjoyed

A single word expressing intense joy, differing from the phrase's structure.

delighted

Another single word synonym for great pleasure, simplifying the phrase.

ecstatic

A more intense and less common synonym emphasizing extreme happiness.

thrilled

A common synonym indicating a feeling of excitement and pleasure.

bursting with joy

Uses "bursting" to convey a more dynamic and expressive feeling of happiness.

brimming with happiness

Employs "brimming" to suggest an overflowing sense of joy.

on cloud nine

An idiomatic expression indicating a state of perfect happiness.

in high spirits

Suggests a cheerful and lively mood, less intense than "glee".

walking on air

Implies a feeling of lightness and euphoria due to happiness.

tickled pink

An idiom expressing amusement and pleasure, often in response to something delightful.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "filled with glee" in a sentence?

Use "filled with glee" to describe someone's reaction to joyful news or a delightful event. For example, "She was filled with glee when she heard she got the job."

What are some alternatives to saying "filled with glee"?

You can use alternatives like "overjoyed", "delighted", or "ecstatic" to express similar feelings of happiness.

Is "filled with glee" too informal for academic writing?

While "filled with glee" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "overjoyed" or "delighted" might be more suitable for academic contexts, depending on the tone and subject matter.

What's the difference between "filled with glee" and "filled with joy"?

"Filled with glee" suggests a more exuberant and playful happiness, while "filled with joy" conveys a deeper, more profound sense of happiness. Choose the phrase that best matches the specific emotion you want to convey.