Joie de vivre Meaning and Definition
Joie de vivre
Pronunciation
/ʒwɑː də ˈviːvʁə/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A feeling of happiness, enjoyment, and enthusiasm for life, characterized by a carefree and joyful attitude.
Examples
- Her joie de vivre was infectious and made everyone around her feel happy.
- The city’s joie de vivre was palpable during the festive season.
Synonyms
- Joyfulness
- Exuberance
Antonyms
- Melancholy
- Apathy
Additional Information
Joie de vivre is a French phrase that translates to “the joy of living.” It refers to a positive and optimistic outlook on life, where one finds pleasure and excitement in everyday experiences. People with joie de vivre tend to be enthusiastic, energetic, and spontaneous, and often have a contagious effect on those around them.
In many cultures, joie de vivre is seen as a key to a happy and fulfilling life. It involves embracing life’s ups and downs with a carefree spirit and finding joy in the little things. By adopting a joie de vivre attitude, one can cultivate a more positive and resilient mindset, leading to greater overall well-being.
Etymology
The phrase “joie de vivre” originates from French, where “joie” means “joy” and “de vivre” means “of living.” It has been used in English language since the 18th century to describe a sense of joy and enthusiasm for life.
Usage Notes
Joie de vivre is often used to describe a person’s personality or attitude, but it can also refer to the atmosphere or spirit of a place or event. For example, “The city’s joie de vivre was palpable during the festival.”
Cultural References
Joie de vivre has been referenced in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. For example, the phrase is used in the title of a novel by Robertson Davies, “The Joie de Vivre of Miss Gwen.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Joie de vivre attitude
- Living life to the fullest
Related Words or Phrases
- Carefree
- Spontaneous
- Effervescent
Collocations
- Joie de vivre atmosphere
- Joie de vivre personality
- Joie de vivre outlook
Frequency of Use
Joie de vivre is not a commonly used phrase in everyday conversation, but it is often used in literary and poetic contexts to describe a sense of joy and enthusiasm for life.
Common Misspellings
- Joy de vivre
- Joie de vie
- Joi de vivre