thoroughly happy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thoroughly happy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a deep or complete sense of happiness. Example: "After receiving the good news, I felt thoroughly happy and couldn't stop smiling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I felt thoroughly happy.

The New York Times

What should have been a thoroughly happy occasion was somewhat dampened by the news from Russia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although I'm��thoroughly happy with the iPad, I'm now yearning for a seven-inch version of — Apple's flagship tablet.

The New York Times

We ordered the specials -- a crunchy shredded pork, and chicken with roasted vegetables and ancho chilies -- and were thoroughly happy.

The New York Times - Travel

Maybe some of them were not Brazilians, but they all gyrated up and down the Ramblas in their shorts and T-shirts and sandals, a multiracial shaggy-haired rainbow coalition of fans, thoroughly happy with life.

The New York Times - Sports

She added, "While I hesitate to say that she is a thoroughly happy person, at the same time I cannot in all honesty judge her to be an unhappy person".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It veers wildly between comedy and tragedy and has a thoroughly unconvincing happy ending tacked on.

The New York Times

Dixon said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed many happy and successful years at M&S.

The Guardian - Business

At least then - for a few moments, at least - they looked thoroughly satisfied, perfectly happy and at peace.

The Guardian - Film

"We've researched it thoroughly and are happy about our decision as it allows us to respond to his needs immediately," says Anna.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(If you're not sure what "thoroughly" entails, sing Happy Birthday to You in your head as you scrub--when you are done singing the song, you should finish washing your hands).

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thoroughly happy" to express a profound and complete sense of happiness, often resulting from a specific event or situation. It's stronger than simply "happy".

Common error

Avoid using "thoroughly happy" in very casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler expressions like "really happy" or "super glad" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thoroughly happy" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being. It emphasizes the intensity and completeness of the happiness being experienced. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which recognizes its correct and usable nature in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thoroughly happy" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that effectively conveys a deep and complete sense of happiness. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and applicable in formal writing. While versatile, it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. For alternative options, consider "completely content" or "utterly delighted". When aiming to express profound joy, using "thoroughly happy" is a strong, valid choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely content

Replaces "happy" with "content", emphasizing satisfaction and peace of mind.

utterly delighted

Substitutes "happy" with "delighted", conveying a sense of great pleasure and joy, higher intensity.

wholly satisfied

Replaces "happy" with "satisfied", highlighting the fulfillment of needs or desires.

extremely pleased

Uses "pleased" instead of "happy", suggesting a feeling of gratification and approval.

absolutely thrilled

Emphasizes excitement and joy, changing happy to thrilled.

genuinely cheerful

Focuses on a positive and lighthearted state, emphasizing authentic happiness.

truly joyous

Conveys deep happiness and celebration, highlighting an intense feeling of joy.

heartily gratified

Expresses a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment, especially from a specific action or event.

thoroughly amused

Focuses specifically on happiness derived from humor or entertainment.

completely fulfilled

Highlights a sense of completeness and satisfaction with one's life or accomplishments.

FAQs

What does "thoroughly happy" mean?

The phrase "thoroughly happy" signifies a deep, complete, and intense feeling of happiness. It suggests a sense of well-being and satisfaction that is all-encompassing.

How can I use "thoroughly happy" in a sentence?

You can use "thoroughly happy" to describe your emotional state after a positive event or achievement. For example, "I felt "thoroughly happy" after receiving the promotion." You may replace it with "utterly delighted".

What are some alternatives to "thoroughly happy"?

Some alternatives include "completely content", "utterly delighted", "wholly satisfied", or "extremely pleased". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "thoroughly happy" more formal than "happy"?

Yes, "thoroughly happy" is generally more formal than simply "happy". It implies a deeper and more complete sense of happiness, making it suitable for more formal writing or speech.