rejoice

Rejoice is a verb meaning to feel or show great joy, delight, or jubilation. It can be used intransitively (to rejoice is to experience joy) or transitively with an object (to rejoice in something, or to rejoice someone by news). The noun form most commonly used today is rejoicing; “rejoice” itself appears chiefly in exhortations or as a command.

Etymology: The word derives from Middle English rejoicen, from Old French rejoir or rejoie, ultimately from Latin gaudēre, “to be glad.” The sense has long carried connotations of public or ceremonial joy as well as private emotion.

Usage and context: In religious and ceremonial language, “rejoice” is common as an exhortation or expression of spiritual gladness (for example, “Rejoice in the Lord always” or “Let us rejoice together”). In more general prose, it can express genuine happiness—“We rejoiced at the good news.” Collocations include “rejoice greatly,” “rejoice with,” and “rejoicing in” with varying prepositions.

Cultural notes: “Rejoice” is widely used as a title for hymns, songs, and works that emphasize joy or celebration. In contemporary speech, synonyms such as “celebrate” or “be glad” are more common, but “rejoice” remains a formal, religious, or literary choice.