joyous

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "joyous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is full of joy, or to express your own joy. Example sentence: The family was filled with joyous laughter as they celebrated their reunion.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They meet on Pooley's day off, descending into joyous laughter before they embrace as only survivors do in a country running on a "no touch" policy.

The Guardian

My parents were unlucky, but they lived joyous, full lives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mommy - a joyous, moving drama about the dangerously close relationship between a mother and her violent son - got a lot of love from critics here.

The Guardian - Film

The two tied Tests were essentially joyous affairs, with both sides able to celebrate an equal share of a special occasions.

The Guardian - Sport

Fortunately for viewers of a joyous video that went viral around the world, he hadn't.

The Guardian

Over dinner, he talked with joyous enthusiasm about The Ride Down Mount Morgan, the play he has re-written and was casting in preparation for a revival.

The Guardian

But that might risk showing the life of a family which lives with disability as messy, flawed, joyous, human – and we wouldn't want that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lighten up, this is the joyous Rococo reborn.

The Guardian - Arts

But for all other than the Barmy Army, the sight of Johnson steaming in and Brad Haddin taking catches above his head was a joyous one.

The Guardian - Sport

It took the joyous irreverence of Wendy Cope's "Waste Land Limericks" – Iain yelped with laughter when I recited them to him – to give me the brass neck to attempt "A Fertile Sea", my own impertinent response to Eliot's masterwork.

The Guardian - Books

As if to emphasise the sense of how joyous the nation is to end the wait for quaification, there was an evocative photo montage in one of the papers which showed a bunch of kids playing football.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "joyous" to describe experiences, events, or atmospheres filled with happiness and delight. For example, "a joyous celebration" or "a joyous reunion".

Common error

While "joyous" is generally appropriate, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing where a more neutral term like "positive" or "pleasant" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The word "joyous" functions primarily as an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in describing something that is full of joy or expressing one's own joy. It modifies nouns, attributing to them the quality of being filled with happiness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Books

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "joyous" is a versatile adjective used to describe something full of happiness and delight. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While widely applicable, it's most commonly found in "News & Media" and sports reporting. The word conveys positive emotions and celebrations, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Be mindful of overuse in highly formal or academic contexts where more neutral terms might be preferred. Consider related terms like "delightful" or "gleeful" for nuanced expressions of happiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delightful

Emphasizes the pleasing and charming nature of something, differing from "joyous" which focuses on the feeling of joy.

gleeful

Suggests a more exuberant and sometimes mischievous happiness than "joyous".

exuberant

Implies a high-spirited and lively joy, more outward and energetic than "joyous".

blissful

Refers to a state of perfect happiness and contentment, a deeper and more serene joy than "joyous".

elated

Describes a feeling of great happiness and triumph, often after an achievement, unlike the broader "joyous".

festive

Relates to celebrations and holidays, implying a joy associated with special occasions, differing from the general happiness of "joyous".

merry

Often used in the context of holidays and celebrations, indicating a cheerful and lively atmosphere; less versatile than "joyous".

upbeat

Implies a cheerful and optimistic mood, often used to describe music or attitudes, unlike the more emotional "joyous".

cheerful

Suggests a steady and pleasant happiness, less intense than "joyous".

radiant

Implies a bright and glowing joy, often visible in one's expression, differing from the internal feeling of "joyous".

FAQs

How can I use "joyous" in a sentence?

Use "joyous" to describe something full of joy or happiness. For example, "The wedding was a joyous occasion".

What are some alternatives to "joyous"?

You can use alternatives like "delightful", "gleeful", or "exuberant" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "joyous" formal or informal?

"Joyous" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but consider the specific tone and audience of your writing.

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

"Happy" is a more general term for feeling pleasure or contentment. "Joyous" implies a stronger, more intense feeling of joy and delight. "Joyous" suggests a heightened state of happiness.