Joy Meaning

UK /dʒɔɪ/
US /dʒɔɪ/
Word Definition
joy meaning

Joy Definition & Usage

noun

A feeling of great pleasure or happiness.

Examples

  • "The news of her promotion brought her immense joy."
  • "He was filled with joy when he saw his old friend again."
  • "It’s a joy to see the children laughing and playing in the yard."
  • "The birth of her first child was a moment of pure joy."
  • "The holiday season is a time of joy for families everywhere."
noun

A state or condition of being happy and content.

Examples

  • "She found joy in the simple things, like a cup of tea on a rainy day."
  • "His joy was evident as he talked about his recent travels."
  • "The joy of the community could be seen in their collective efforts to rebuild the town."
  • "They experienced a profound joy when they heard the good news."
  • "Joy is not just about big celebrations but also the quiet moments of life."
verb

To express or experience great pleasure or happiness.

Examples

  • "She joyed in the company of her friends during the weekend retreat."
  • "The crowd joyed at the sight of their team winning the championship."
  • "They joyed in the small victories of everyday life."
  • "The family joyed together as they celebrated the holidays."
  • "He joyed at the thought of retiring after decades of hard work."

Cultural Context

The word 'joy' has roots in the Latin word 'gaudium' and Old French 'joie'. It has been a central concept in various cultures as a powerful emotional state linked to happiness, celebration, and well-being. Throughout history, joy has been associated with religious and secular celebrations, as well as moments of personal achievement or communal bonding.

The Joy of Discovery

Story

The Joy of Discovery

The sun had barely risen when Ella walked into the garden, her heart light with the anticipation of a new day. She had spent weeks planning the surprise for her family, and now, standing in front of their house, she was overwhelmed with joy. It wasn’t just the perfect weather or the beautiful flowers in bloom; it was the thought that today, her family would discover the gift she had so carefully prepared for them. Earlier that week, she had arranged for her siblings to visit after months of being apart. The joy she felt in seeing her brother and sister again was unlike any other. As the doorbell rang, she could barely contain her excitement, her smile widening as she opened the door. "Welcome home," she said, her voice shaking with happiness. The embrace they shared was warm and full of love. It was a moment of joy that would last forever in her memory. As the day unfolded, Ella watched her family enjoy the simple pleasures of togetherness—laughter over shared meals, storytelling by the fireplace, and children playing in the yard. This was the joy of being with loved ones, something she cherished more than any material gift. And as the sun set, casting a golden glow over the gathering, she realized that this was the kind of joy that made life worth living. It wasn’t just about the big celebrations; it was the small, quiet moments that filled her heart with peace and happiness. Later that evening, as they sat around the table enjoying dessert, her mother looked at her and said, "Ella, you’ve brought us more joy than we could ever have asked for. Thank you for this beautiful day." The words meant more to her than any gift could ever convey. Ella smiled, her heart full. This was the essence of joy—not just the bursts of happiness, but the steady, enduring contentment that came from being with those you loved.

The Joy of Discovery