Word
cheery
US/ˈtʃɪɹi/
UK/tʃˈiəɹi/
Definition
adj. feeling or showing that you are happy and positive. It describes someone who is in a good mood and acts in a bright, friendly way.
adj. characterised by or expressing good spirits and optimism. Often describes a person's disposition or the bright, pleasant quality of an object or environment.
Examples
“She gave me a cheery wave as she walked past.”
“Despite the rainy weather, the receptionist greeted every guest with a cheery smile and a helpful attitude.”
“The room was decorated in cheery yellow tones to counteract the gloomy atmosphere of the old building's narrow corridors.”
Examples
simple
“She gave me a cheery wave as she walked past.”
contextual
“Despite the rainy weather, the receptionist greeted every guest with a cheery smile and a helpful attitude.”
complex
“The room was decorated in cheery yellow tones to counteract the gloomy atmosphere of the old building's narrow corridors.”
Usage
Often used to describe facial expressions, voices, or colors that suggest happiness.
Real-World Examples
“I n some ways 32-year-old Blaž Šercelj, a cheery father of three, has always been a beekeeper.” Etymology
From Middle English cheri, equivalent to cheer + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
INTERJECTION
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/cheery