gleeful

Gleeful is an adjective describing a state or expression of great joy or delight, often with a lively, buoyant tone. It typically characterizes people or expressions that show exuberant happiness, such as a gleeful smile or a gleeful shout.

Etymology: The word derives from the noun glee, meaning merriment or delight, with the suffix -ful forming the adjective. The noun glee has historical roots in Middle English and has long been associated with mirth and festive activity.

Usage and nuance: In contemporary English, gleeful commonly describes moments of intense happiness, anticipation, or satisfaction. It is frequently used in informal or literary contexts. The term can carry a light-hearted, playful sense, but in some contexts it may imply a mischievous or even smug pleasure, especially if the joy arises from someone else’s misfortune (schadenfreude).

Related terms: synonyms include joyful, delighted, elated, jubilant; antonyms include somber, morose, gloomy. The adverb form is gleefully, used to describe how something is done with gleeful energy.