happiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'happiness' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotion, a state of being, or a condition. For example: When Jenny got the job she wanted, she was filled with happiness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He may be poorer but wiser: research in recent years from both Harvard and the University of British Columbia shows that giving away money to others increases happiness.

The Guardian - Opinion

If it is feasible to measure happiness, then we should.

The Guardian

It seems obvious that the happiness of our citizens is what ultimately matters (though if you believe that the rights of non-human animals are just as important then I might be sympathetic to such a caveat).

The Guardian

It was only a strange error that led to the historical obsession with GDP As someone who has worked on these issues for three decades, I have observed that, sadly, most people who criticise the idea of measuring happiness are handicapped by the fact they know little about the research literature on the topic.

The Guardian

For example, Richard Layard's work on happiness has focused a great deal of attention on mental illness.

The Guardian

Festival panels such as How To Live? featuring writers Douglas Coupland, Anne Manne and social researcher Hugh MacKay examine humanity's quest for happiness and its changing relationship to technology and nature.

The Guardian

The project is aiming to create a Mario who "gets to know his own world" by becoming "aware of himself and his environment", enabling him to make his own decisions based on his curiosity, hunger, happiness and fear, as well as through voice commands delivered by a researcher.

The Guardian - Tech

It is what the Orientals call 'kef' it is complete happiness.

The Guardian - Books

I think of happiness as something that's fleeting and heightened, not constant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The first requisite to happiness is that a man be born in a famous city," said Euripides.

The Guardian

Not only that, but as household income has fallen, so happiness with the level of that income has, apparently, risen.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "happiness", consider specifying the source or reason for the happiness to provide context and depth. For example, instead of just saying 'She found happiness', you could say 'She found happiness in her new hobby'.

Common error

Avoid making broad, unsubstantiated claims about what brings "happiness". Be specific and provide evidence or context to support your statements. Saying 'Money brings happiness' without qualification can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "happiness" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting an emotion or state of being. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Books

15%

Less common in

Opinion

8%

Tech

7%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "happiness" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an emotion, state of being, or good fortune. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. With a very common frequency, it appears across diverse contexts such as News & Media, Lifestyle, and Books. While generally neutral in register, understanding its specific nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing. Consider specifying the sources or reasons for happiness to provide greater depth and context. Avoid overgeneralizing claims and rely on specifics. Related phrases like "state of well-being" or "sense of contentment" can offer alternative ways to convey this important concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of well-being

Emphasizes overall positive condition and welfare.

sense of contentment

Highlights a feeling of satisfaction and peace.

feeling of joy

Focuses on the emotional aspect of happiness.

moments of pleasure

Highlights specific instances that bring happiness.

experience of fulfillment

Stresses the sense of achieving something meaningful.

life satisfaction

Focuses on overall contentment with one's life.

emotional well-being

Highlights the psychological aspect of happiness.

being in good spirits

Describes a cheerful and positive mood.

positive emotions

Refers to a range of feelings associated with happiness.

having a good time

Describes enjoying oneself and experiencing pleasure.

FAQs

How to use "happiness" in a sentence?

You can use "happiness" to describe an emotion, a state of being, or good fortune. For example: "Her smile radiated pure happiness", "They sought happiness in simple pleasures", or "The journey brought unexpected happiness".

What can I say instead of "happiness"?

You can use alternatives like "joy", "contentment", "well-being", or "pleasure" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a happiness"?

While "happiness" is typically used as an uncountable noun, you might encounter "a happiness" in specific contexts to denote a particular instance or type of happiness. However, it's less common than simply using "happiness".

What's the difference between "happiness" and "pleasure"?

"Happiness" is a broader, more enduring state of well-being, while "pleasure" is a more fleeting sensation. You might experience pleasure in the moment, but happiness encompasses a more sustained sense of fulfillment.