jolly look

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jolly look" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cheerful or happy expression on someone's face. Example: "When she entered the room with a jolly look, everyone couldn't help but smile back at her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

2.14am Some of the choir adopt exaggeratedly jolly "Look at me, I'm singing" facial expressions, regardless of the text of the moment.

The Guardian - Music

"The other guys in that movie, most of them had a happy, jolly look.

The New Yorker

He gave them the somewhat jolly look of Alpine Gothic castle keeps.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, she notes, very few of her customers need any extra padding to pull off the fat and jolly look.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

With its bulbous shape, doorless sides, removable surrey top, wicker seats and pastel color palette, the Jolly looks more like an amusement-park ride than a road-legal car.

The New York Times

We learn that one of the producers of "Jagged Edge" demanded to attend the shooting of Glenn Close's lovemaking scene, despite the fact that, in his words, "I'm not gonna get any jollies looking at her fat ass".

The New Yorker

2.49pm: Andy Murray begins the Aegon tournmanent at Queen's Club tomorrow as No1 seed and he's jolly well looking forward to it.

The Guardian - Sport

FRANK WILLIAMSON is a big man with a constantly jolly face, and he looks marvelous in his suspenders and his jaunty black-and-white-striped engineer's cap.

The New York Times

One thing everybody agrees on though, is that it does look jolly nice.

Independent

Admittedly they're all hosted by jolly people who look like they'd tell you to "take a chill pill" without irony but, look, needs must.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The jolly online zombies look the way they did the day they died, but the light left their eyes the last day their souls logged in.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jolly look" to specifically describe a facial expression or appearance that conveys happiness or cheerfulness. It's particularly effective when contrasting it with other possible expressions.

Common error

Avoid using "jolly look" to describe situations or events; it's best suited for describing a person's appearance. For situations, consider words like "festive" or "joyful".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jolly look" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to indicate a cheerful or happy appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English, exemplified by contexts describing facial expressions or overall appearance. The adjective "jolly" modifies the noun "look".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "jolly look" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, primarily functioning as a descriptive adjective-noun combination to convey a cheerful or happy appearance. According to Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for describing facial expressions and overall demeanor. While commonly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register. For alternative expressions, consider "happy expression" or "cheerful demeanor", depending on the context and desired level of formality. Remember to use "jolly look" to describe people and not situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

happy expression

Highlights the expression as being happy, a direct synonym for jolly in this context.

cheerful appearance

Focuses on the overall appearance being cheerful, instead of specifically the look.

joyful demeanor

Emphasizes the overall behavior and manner being joyful, not just the facial expression.

gleeful visage

Uses more formal and literary terms to describe a joyful face.

merry countenance

Employs a traditional and slightly archaic way to describe a happy face.

pleasant aspect

Highlights the agreeableness and attractiveness of someone's appearance.

bright outlook

Shifts the focus from physical appearance to a positive perspective or attitude.

amiable air

Indicates a friendly and agreeable atmosphere surrounding someone.

sunny disposition

Refers to a consistently cheerful and optimistic nature.

radiant glow

Suggests a vibrant and healthy appearance that reflects inner happiness.

FAQs

How can I describe a person's happy face instead of using "jolly look"?

Alternatives include "happy expression", "cheerful countenance", or "gleeful visage", depending on the desired tone and formality.

Is "jolly look" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "jolly look" leans towards informal. In formal contexts, consider using "cheerful demeanor" or "happy expression" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "jolly look" and "jovial appearance"?

"Jolly look" specifically refers to the facial expression, while "jovial appearance" encompasses the entire demeanor. "Jolly look" is more focused on the face, whereas "jovial appearance" suggests overall cheerfulness.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "jolly look"?

The phrase "jolly look" is most appropriate in informal or descriptive contexts where you want to convey a sense of happiness or cheerfulness through someone's facial expression. It can be used in narratives, character descriptions, or casual conversations.