joy

Joy is a positive emotion characterized by feelings of great pleasure, delight, or elation. It often arises in response to favorable events, meaningful relationships, or experiences that are deeply satisfying. In common usage, joy can be intense and immediate, but it may also be sustained through gratitude, appreciation, or a sense of meaning. It is commonly distinguished from general happiness by its immediacy and intensity, though both involve positive affect.

Etymology traces the word to Old French joie, from Latin gaudium and gaudere, meaning to rejoice. In many languages and traditions, related terms describe similar states of interior delight or bliss, reflecting the wide cultural prominence of positive emotion.

In psychology, joy is treated as a discrete positive emotion within theories of affect and emotion. It can strengthen social bonds, promote approach behavior, and enhance resilience. Neurobiologically, joy is associated with activity in brain reward circuits and the release of neuromodulators such as dopamine and endorphins. It can be evoked by achievements, affectionate interactions, humor, beauty, or spiritual experiences.

Culturally and religiously, joy is a common motif across arts, rituals, and liturgy. In Christianity, joy is described as a fruit of the Spirit; in other traditions, related concepts such as rapture, bliss, or spiritual delight serve similar roles. Joy also functions as a given name in English-speaking countries and appears frequently in literature, film, and music as a symbol of positive feeling.

Overall, joy is a central aspect of human emotional life, contributing to well-being, connection, and cultural expression.