gladdening

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gladdening' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that describes something that brings joy or happiness. Example: The gladdening news of their success spread quickly throughout the company, bringing smiles to everyone's faces.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the dark journey with us.

Independent

Then she dies: One afternoon soon after her death, I entered her empty room, into which the good evening sun was shining, gladdening it with rose-bright, gay and soft colors.

The New Yorker

Sam Cooke's recording of the song, from 1957, is beautifully sung, if a little too gladdening.

The New Yorker

Be they ever so cool, Ellsworth Kelly, Andy Warhol, Dan Flavin, and Blinky Palermo can't help stirring the heart, through the eye, with hues as cleanly gladdening as French horns in the morning.

The New Yorker

The ultralucidity of Ashley Bouder, Andrew Veyette, Tiler Peck, Sterling Hyltin and Ana Sophia Scheller in "Divertimento No. 15," a ballet that can easily pale into insignificance, was gladdening.

The New York Times - Arts

This week, Mr. Sfard's chief adversary, the settler movement, bestowed on him honorary citizenship in "Judea and Samaria," the biblical names for the West Bank, with a mock certificate noting that he "may have come to curse and cause damage" but had ended up "raising the morale and gladdening the hearts of those who love the Land".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The Bureau of Meteorology anticipates warmer temperatures across the eastern half of Australia over winter, which should gladden the hearts of social media devotees complaining about the chill in Sydney, parts of inland New South Wales and Canberra.

The Guardian

The idea of jobless bankers may gladden some souls; the brain should reserve judgment.

The Economist

Critics may be gladdened to learn that there is at least some semblance of oversight.

The Economist

THE sight of thousands of angry students marching in Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Barcelona and other university cities, or camping in the Christmas cold in the heart of Seville, would once have gladdened the heart of Pilar del Castillo, Spain's education minister, a rebellious student herself under Franco's regime.

The Economist

Politically, this is the old-time religion: ideas designed to gladden the hearts of the parties' core supporters.In the weeks after September 11th, some politicians wondered if the response to the attacks might fundamentally alter American domestic politics.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gladdening" to describe events or experiences that evoke a sense of joy and upliftment. For example, "The gladdening news of her recovery brought tears to our eyes."

Common error

Avoid using "gladdening" excessively in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral or precise terms like "pleasing" or "satisfying" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "gladdening" functions primarily as a present participle or a gerund, often used to describe something that causes happiness or joy. Ludwig provides examples where it modifies nouns, adding a sense of delight or pleasure to the described entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gladdening" functions as a present participle or gerund, used to describe something that brings happiness or joy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples, primarily from news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives in highly technical contexts. The phrase is commonly used to evoke positive emotions and highlight uplifting qualities. Related phrases include "making joyful" and "bringing happiness", which offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. Be mindful of the context and desired tone when choosing between "gladdening" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making joyful

Focuses on the action of creating joy, slightly more active than "gladdening".

bringing happiness

Emphasizes the result of causing happiness, a more direct expression.

causing delight

Highlights the emotion of delight, implying a sense of great pleasure.

cheering up

Suggests a more immediate and active way of making someone happier.

lifting spirits

Implies raising someone's emotional state, often from a low point.

pleasing

A more general term for giving satisfaction or enjoyment.

gratifying

Suggests a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.

delighting

Similar to "causing delight" but can be used more broadly.

giving pleasure

A simple and direct way of expressing the act of providing enjoyment.

heartwarming

Describes something that evokes feelings of warmth and affection.

FAQs

How can I use "gladdening" in a sentence?

"Gladdening" is often used to describe something that brings joy or happiness. For instance, "The "gladdening news" lifted everyone's spirits."

What are some alternatives to "gladdening"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pleasing", "delighting", or "gratifying" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "gladdening" appropriate for formal writing?

While "gladdening" is grammatically correct, it might be perceived as somewhat informal. In highly formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "satisfying" or "pleasing".

What is the difference between "gladdening" and "pleasing"?

"Gladdening" implies a more profound sense of joy and upliftment, while "pleasing" is a more general term for giving satisfaction or enjoyment. The choice depends on the specific emotion you want to convey.