reveling

Reveling refers to the act of taking part in lively, often noisy merrymaking, or of deriving great pleasure from something. It functions as the present participle of the verb revel, and is used to describe ongoing participation in festivities or exuberant enjoyment. The related noun revelry denotes the general celebration, while a participant is a reveler.

Etymology: Reveling derives from Old French reveler, meaning to make merry, through Middle English usage.

Usage and connotation: Reveling can be neutral, celebratory, or pejorative depending on tone and context. In literary and historical contexts it often portrays social gatherings with music, dancing, drinking, and amusement. In contemporary usage it may emphasize exuberance, self-indulgence, or excess if the tone is critical.

Cultural and literary context: The concept appears across many cultures during festivals and holidays; in literature, reveling scenes appear across periods to illustrate mood or social dynamics.

Examples: They spent the night reveling at the festival. He was reveling in his triumph.

See also: revel, revelry, reveler, merrymaking, festival.