jolly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'jolly' is correct and usable in written English
It can be used to describe someone in a very cheerful, carefree, and lively manner. For example, "The children were filled with joy when they saw their jolly grandma come to visit them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jolly good, jolly good.

The Guardian - Opinion

So not a jolly spring for some creatures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On the television news, there has been generous and sympathetic coverage, with American reporters in London portraying the party at Buckingham Palace as a jolly event and highlighting Prince Charles's speech.

The Guardian

And why doesn't he just follow the example of either our very own Clem Attlee in the 1940s and 1950s, or Dutch premier Wim Kok now, and spend a jolly couple of weeks driving around the West Country staying in some nice B&Bs?

The Guardian - Travel

Thanks to the efforts of local supplier Jolly Good Beer you see New Zealand beers more often than you expect to in Cambridge.

The Guardian - Travel

For the early part of Pink Floyd's career, Thorgerson and Powell – who traded as Hipgnosis – were theoretically answerable to an EMI staff member called Ron Dunton: as Powell later recalled, "this big, jolly fat man who was in charge of the album cover department".

The Guardian - Music

Our art school in the early 60s was a jolly establishment, with classrooms, studios, canteen, and Sid's cafe round the corner for tea, toast and jam.

The Guardian

'In many ways the past and tradition is the identification of the nation... if you begin to undermine that, you can end up by not really understanding who you are as a people.' Although he is the one who plays jolly folk songs on his guitar at Tory party bonding sessions, he doesn't seem entirely at home in the brash world of the new managerial Conservative Party.

The Guardian

If, however, you don't have a Sky subscription, or were hoping that Sky might instead invest more in British TV, things look altogether less jolly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A clever observer, he uses a dry wit to describe a few far-from-jolly encounters with pompous big cheeses.

The Economist

Jilly Cooper (or Jolly Super, as she was affectionately known) well understood that the 1960s "revolution" had not at all blown away this country's class-consciousness.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jolly" to describe a person's cheerful and lively character or a situation that evokes happiness and good spirits. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts where a more sophisticated vocabulary is expected.

Common error

While "jolly" is generally positive, avoid using it in contexts that demand solemnity or seriousness. Using it inappropriately can undermine the gravity of the situation and appear insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The word "jolly" primarily functions as an adjective, describing someone or something as cheerful, happy, or full of good humor. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable in written English. It can also function as an adverb meaning "very" or "extremely."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jolly" is a versatile word primarily used as an adjective to describe someone or something as cheerful and full of good humor. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English, with a slightly informal register. While it is grammatically sound, consider using more formal synonyms in academic or scientific contexts. The word appears most frequently in News & Media, followed by Formal & Business and Science contexts. Remember to use "jolly" to bring warmth and positivity to your writing, but avoid overusing it in situations that require a serious tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Jovial

Suggests a hearty and good-humored disposition.

Merry

Implies a cheerful and festive mood, often associated with holidays.

Mirthful

Emphasizes the presence of laughter and amusement.

Cheerful

Focuses on a state of being noticeably happy and optimistic.

Lighthearted

Indicates a carefree and untroubled attitude.

Glad

A more straightforward expression of happiness or pleasure.

Festive

Related to a celebration or holiday mood.

Upbeat

Conveys a positive and energetic feeling.

Gay

While once commonly interchangeable, now more strongly associated with homosexuality.

Sunny

Evokes a bright and cheerful disposition, like the sun.

FAQs

How can I use "jolly" in a sentence?

You can use "jolly" to describe someone's cheerful nature, like "He was a "jolly man"", or to describe a pleasant atmosphere, such as "It was a "jolly event"".

What words are similar to "jolly"?

Synonyms for "jolly" include "merry", "cheerful", "jovial", and "mirthful". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "jolly" in formal writing?

While "jolly" is grammatically correct, it may be more suitable for informal or conversational contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives like "cheerful" or "joyous" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "jolly" and "happy"?

"Happy" is a general term for feeling pleasure or contentment, while "jolly" suggests a more exuberant, lighthearted, and festive kind of happiness. A "happy person" might experience quiet contentment, but a "jolly person" is usually radiating cheerfulness and good humor.