jubilant

Jubilant is an adjective used to describe a feeling, expression, or atmosphere of great joy and triumph. It can refer to a person who is elated, a group celebrating, or the mood of a place after a significant event. The term is commonly applied to outward displays of happiness, such as cheering, singing, or laughter, rather than a quiet sense of contentment.

Etymology: Jubilant derives from the Latin jubilantem, the present participle of jubilare “to shout for joy,” from jubulus “a shout of joy.” It entered English via Old French jubilant. The noun form is jubilation, and related forms include jubilate (verb) and jubilantly (adverb).

Usage and nuance: Jubilant is somewhat formal and often describes public or ceremonial joy, such as after sports victories, elections, or climactic moments. It can convey collective celebration when applied to crowds or communities; for individuals, it suggests an outward expression of intense happiness. It is distinct from exultant (more intensely triumphant) and elated (happy, but sometimes less outwardly demonstrative).

Related terms: The noun jubilation denotes the state or expression of jubilant joy. The verb jubilate and the adverb jubilantly are closely related forms. In literary and media contexts, jubilant imagery often conveys festive exuberance without excessive flourish.