glee

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "glee" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of great joy or pleasure, particularly when that feeling is shared by a group. Example sentence: The spectators watched the football match with glee as their team scored the winning goal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Opponents of this government said it would happen – and it's all too easy to smirk with we-told-you-so glee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Shane Watson was unable to hide Australia's glee at a rare selection gamble by England that backfired horribly on the first day of the fifth Ashes Test.

The Guardian - Sport

It has led, perhaps understandably, to a quiet sense of glee from Labour, the party with most to fear from the Green resurgence.

The Guardian

He recounts with glee a story about Billy Elliot's test screenings in the US, in mall-multiplex country.

The Guardian

Anecdotes to illustrate the point keep tumbling out, delivered with exuberant glee.

The Guardian

Even such glee can sour almost overnight, however, and it is legitimate to suggest that, if Celtic are eliminated from the Scottish Cup at Dunfermline this afternoon, his future in his present position will be seriously threatened.

The Guardian - Sport

Even the less profitable companies have reported the sort of results that make share-holders rub their hands with glee.

The Guardian - Opinion

Halfway through the evening, after many glasses of red and some fresh seafood, he leaned across the table to his agent and declared with glee: "We're bloody winning, aren't we?" Advisers on Team Farage were pleased and surprised by the exuberant St George's Day kneesup – a virtual victory party.

The Guardian

German artist Höller, who originally trained as an agricultural scientist, is renowned for turning art galleries into playgrounds full of adults and children, making them shriek with glee and occasionally terror.

The Guardian - Arts

If I do, then if I say or do something stupid, there is glee and sarcasm: "And you're a member of Mensa?" At primary school I was fast-tracked a couple of years, which seemed like fun, until I ended up as a 12-year-old brat in a class of cool teenagers, who ignored or bullied me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A Demontage is conspicuous, a very public destruction of an important person's image and status, and it implies an element of glee, lust even.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glee" to convey unreserved delight or malicious joy, ensuring the context aligns with its intensity. Balance its usage with more nuanced terms to avoid overuse and maintain writing sophistication.

Common error

Avoid using "glee" excessively in professional or academic writing. While it effectively communicates joy, its intensity can appear inappropriate in formal settings. Opt for "satisfaction" or "delight" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "glee" is a noun, denoting a feeling of joyful satisfaction. It can also function as a verb, although this usage is less common. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The examples show its use to describe reactions to events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glee" is a grammatically sound and frequently used word, primarily functioning as a noun to express a strong feeling of joy or malicious pleasure. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. While versatile, its usage is most common in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral to slightly informal register. To ensure precision, consider related terms like "joy" or "delight" for nuanced expressions. When incorporating the word "glee" in your writing, be mindful of the context and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

joy

A general term for happiness; less specific than "glee".

delight

Suggests a more refined or subtle pleasure compared to the exuberance of "glee".

mirth

Implies amusement and laughter, closer to lighthearted joy.

exuberance

Captures an overflowing energy and enthusiasm, a more intense form of "glee".

rejoicing

Suggests a public or communal expression of happiness, often after an achievement.

elation

Indicates a feeling of great happiness and triumph, potentially more elevated than simple "glee".

triumph

Focuses on the joy of victory or overcoming a challenge.

satisfaction

Implies contentment and fulfillment, a quieter form of happiness.

relish

To enjoy greatly.

jollity

A cheerful and lively mood.

FAQs

How to use "glee" in a sentence?

You can use "glee" to express great happiness or joy, as in: "The children watched the fireworks with "glee"." It can also denote malicious satisfaction.

What can I say instead of "glee"?

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

Is "glee" appropriate for formal writing?

While "glee" is a valid word, it can sound informal or overly enthusiastic for formal writing. Consider using "satisfaction" or "pleasure" in such contexts.

What is the difference between "glee" and "happiness"?

"Glee" implies a more exuberant, sometimes even malicious, joy compared to the general feeling of "happiness". "Glee" is often more pronounced and visible.