Word
delighted
Phoneticsde·light·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈɫaɪtəd/
UK/dɪlˈaɪtɪd/
Definitions
01very happy
B1 · Intermediate
adj. very happy and pleased about something.
adj. feeling or showing great pleasure or satisfaction. Often used as a predicative adjective followed by a 'to' infinitive or a 'that' clause.
“We were delighted with the results of our hard work.”
“The board members were delighted by the unexpected increase in quarterly revenue, which exceeded even their most optimistic projections.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the prepositions 'with', 'by', or 'at'.
Pitfall
I am very delighted with the news.
I am absolutely delighted with the news.
Delighted is an extreme adjective. Use 'absolutely' or 'really' instead of 'very' to add emphasis.
Antonyms
02gave great pleasure
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the past action of giving someone great pleasure or making them very happy.
v. the past tense of the transitive verb meaning to please someone greatly.
“The magician's clever tricks delighted the children at the party.”
“The soloist's masterful interpretation of the concerto delighted the audience, earning her a standing ovation that lasted several minutes.”
Usage
As a verb, it takes a direct object.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “delighted” in context.
Verb
01. look delighted
“He looked delighted as he opened the gift and saw the watch he had wanted for years.”
verb + adj
02. seem delighted
“The children seemed delighted when they saw the snow falling outside their window.”
verb + adj
Adjective
03. delighted to announce
“The company is delighted to announce the opening of its third branch in the city center.”
adj + infinitive
04. delighted to meet
“I am delighted to meet you at last after hearing so many wonderful things about your work.”
adj + infinitive
05. delighted with the results
“The marketing team was delighted with the results of the new advertising campaign.”
adj + prep
Adverb
06. absolutely delighted
“We were absolutely delighted to hear that you passed your driving test on the first try.”
adv + adj
07. genuinely delighted
“She seemed genuinely delighted by the surprise party her colleagues organized for her.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“Eurovision Song Contest director Martin Green said they were "delighted" with the next choice of destination, adding that Burgas would "bring something really special" to the competition.” “Today, after years of campaigning, I’m delighted to say that we’ve won.” - 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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