Word
glad
US/ˈɡɫæd/
UK/ɡlˈæd/
Definitions
01pleased or happy
A2 · Elementary
adj. feeling happy, pleased, or relieved about a situation.
adj. feeling pleasure, joy, or gratitude. Usually functions as a predicative adjective following a linking verb.
“I am so glad that you could come to my party tonight.”
“The manager was glad to hear that the project had been completed ahead of schedule without any budget overruns.”
Usage
Commonly followed by a 'that' clause, an infinitive, or the preposition 'about'.
Pitfall
I am glad for the news.
I am glad about the news.
Use 'glad about' for situations or 'glad for' someone else's luck, but never 'glad for' a thing itself.
02a flower
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. a short name for a gladiolus, which is a tall flower with bright petals.
n. a colloquial clipping of 'gladiolus', referring to any plant of the genus Gladiolus.
“She picked a bunch of bright red glads from the garden for the vase.”
“The florist suggested adding a few glads to the arrangement to provide some much-needed height and structural variety.”
Teaching tip
This is a common term among gardeners and florists but may be unfamiliar to general learners.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “glad” in context.
Verb
01. be glad to help
“If you have any more questions, I would be glad to help you.”
verb + adj + infinitive
02. feel glad that the exams are over
“I feel glad that the exams are over because I can finally relax.”
verb + adj + that-clause
Adjective
03. glad about the result
“She was very glad about the result of her medical test.”
adj + prep + noun
04. glad that you called
“I am glad that you called me because I needed someone to talk to.”
adj + that-clause
05. glad to hear the news
“We were so glad to hear the news about your new job.”
adj + infinitive
06. really glad
“I am really glad you decided to come to the party tonight.”
adv + adj
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
01. glad tidings
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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