happiness
n.-
1 the feeling of joy (n.) A2 Elementarythe feeling of being happy and satisfied with your life.
the emotional state of being happy; a sense of well-being, contentment, or joy.
ExampleThe children's faces were full of happiness when they saw the new puppy.
ExampleTrue happiness often stems from a sense of purpose and the quality of one's social connections rather than material wealth alone.
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2 well-being or prosperity (n.) C2 Proficiency Archaica state of doing well and being successful in life.
a state of thriving, prosperity, or general well-being.
ExampleThe king worked hard to ensure the happiness and safety of his people.
ExampleIn older texts, the term often refers to the general happiness of the commonwealth, meaning its collective prosperity and health.
UsageIn modern English, this sense is almost entirely replaced by 'well-being' or 'prosperity'.
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3 graceful expression (n.) C2 Proficiency Literary Archaica lucky or clever way of saying something.
a particularly apt or pleasing quality in expression or style.
ExampleThe poet was famous for the happiness of his descriptions.
ExampleThe critic praised the happiness of the author's prose, noting how effortlessly the metaphors captured the mood of the era.
Teacher's tipThis sense is very rare today; modern speakers would use 'felicity' or 'aptness' to describe well-chosen words.
- aptness
- felicity
From happy + -ness.