What does joy mean Meaning and Definition

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What does joy mean

What does joy mean

Pronunciation

/ˈdʒɔɪm/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A feeling of great happiness or pleasure, often accompanied by a sense of well-being or contentment.

Examples

  • The children’s laughter filled the room with joy.
  • She felt a deep sense of joy when she received the news.

Synonyms

  • Happiness
  • Jubilation
  • Elation

Antonyms

  • Sorrow
  • Suffering
  • Misery

Etymology

The word “joy” comes from the Old French word “joie”, which is derived from the Latin word “gaudium”, meaning “gladness” or “happiness”.

Additional Information

Joy is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can be experienced in various ways. It can be a result of achieving a long-term goal, experiencing nature’s beauty, or connecting with loved ones. People often express joy through different forms of art, music, or dance.

Aristotle defined joy as a “unmixed” pleasure, one that is not accompanied by any element of pain or sorrow. He believed that this type of joy is the highest form of happiness and is often associated with virtuous living.

Research has shown that joy can have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. It can strengthen the immune system, reduce stress levels, and improve overall well-being.

Usage Notes

The word “joy” can be used in various contexts, including personal experiences, cultural celebrations, and spiritual practices. It is often used to describe a feeling of happiness or pleasure that is intense and unshakeable.

For example, “The crowd erupted in joy when the home team scored the winning goal.” or “She felt a deep sense of joy when she finally found her lost cat.”

Cultural References

The concept of joy has been explored in various forms of art and literature throughout history. For example, in the Bible, joy is described as a gift from God, while in Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, joy is portrayed as a magical and transformative experience.

In modern times, joy has been a central theme in various movies, such as “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “The Joy Luck Club”, which explore the complexities of human emotions and the power of joy to overcome adversity.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • It’s a joy to behold
  • Joie de vivre
  • Beaming with joy
  • Share the joy

Related Words or Phrases

  • Happiness
  • Jubilation
  • Elation
  • Euphoria

Collocations

  • Feel joy
  • Share joy
  • Find joy
  • Bring joy

Frequency of Use

The word “joy” is a relatively common word in modern language. According to various sources, it appears in approximately 1.5% of all spoken language.

Common Misspellings

  • Joey
  • Joe
  • Joyous
  • Joys

Related Words