gladness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gladness' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It refers to a feeling of joy or happiness. Example: The bride couldn't contain her gladness as she walked down the aisle towards her groom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She photographed toffs and people in slums, she photographedthe famous and the unknown, those in great distress and those full of gladness and success, and she saw beyond richness, poverty, status and the lack of it, to the human heart.

The Guardian - Arts

The Ford Mondeo hit the showrooms, bringing gladness and stereo tape decks to travelling salesmen.

The Guardian

OVER an abstract watercolour that hints at a setting sun, a Hallmark card expresses gladness that "our paths came together in this life" and vows: "You're in some of the best memories I have and you always will be".

The Economist

All who witnessed his performance were united, not just by admiration and gladness for his trainer, but by a heightened sense of life's satisfactions on their own account.

Independent

I was filled with an enormous gladness, an explosive elation, almost an ecstasy.

Independent

No longer – I was seeing it with new eyes, full of gladness that I'm clean at last".

Independent

We behold the face of nature bright with gladness..

The New Yorker

It spreads to the children as quickly as her gladness did.

The New Yorker

I think they're back--the hours of gladness.

The New Yorker

There is so much gratitude in this music: a true gladness.

The New Yorker

The finale, "The Song of Purple Summer," tinged with both darkness and wonder, incorporates grief into its sense of gladness.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gladness" to convey a sense of joy or happiness, particularly when describing an internal state or emotional quality. It adds a touch of formality and depth compared to simpler terms like "happiness".

Common error

While "gladness" is a perfectly valid word, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler words like "happiness" or "joy" may be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gladness" is that of a noun. It represents a state or feeling of joy and contentment. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "gladness" functions as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting an emotional experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gladness" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun that expresses a feeling of joy and happiness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English. While versatile, "gladness" tends to appear more often in formal writing, particularly in contexts related to news, media, and literature. Consider using synonyms like "joy" or "happiness" in more casual settings. Remember to avoid overusing "gladness" in very informal contexts, as simpler terms might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joy

A more general term for positive emotion; "joy" often implies a deeper, more profound feeling than simple happiness.

happiness

A common and versatile term for a state of well-being and positive emotions; less intense than "ecstasy" or "elation".

delight

Suggests a sense of great pleasure and satisfaction; often associated with something specific that causes enjoyment.

glee

Implies a feeling of triumphant or mischievous joy; can sometimes have a negative connotation.

contentment

Indicates a state of peaceful happiness and satisfaction with one's current situation.

elation

Signifies a feeling of great happiness and exhilaration, often short-lived and intense.

exuberance

Describes a state of overflowing energy, excitement, and cheerfulness.

joviality

Implies a cheerful and friendly disposition; often associated with social interactions.

cheerfulness

Refers to a state of being noticeably happy and optimistic.

merriment

Suggests a lively and cheerful atmosphere, often associated with celebration and amusement.

FAQs

How do I use "gladness" in a sentence?

"Gladness" is a noun that refers to a state of joy or happiness. For example, "The child's face radiated gladness when she received the gift."

What words can I use instead of "gladness"?

You can use alternatives like "joy", "happiness", "delight", or "glee" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "gladness" and "happiness"?

While both words refer to positive emotions, "gladness" often implies a deeper, more profound feeling of joy, whereas "happiness" can refer to a more general state of well-being.

Which is correct: "a feeling of gladness" or "a feeling of happiness"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality. "A feeling of "happiness"" is generally more common in everyday language.