cheerful
Cheerful (adj) means Visibly happy and full of good spirits. Example: “She greeted every customer with a cheerful smile.”
How to use cheerful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a good, upbeat mood — or bright and pleasant if describing a place.
Word forms
more cheerful comparative, cheerfuler comparative, cheerfuller comparative, most cheerful superlative, cheerfullest superlative, cheerfulest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She greeted every customer with a _____ smile.
Etymology
From Middle English chereful, built from cheer (mood) plus the suffix -ful.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for cheerful
See all rhymes for cheerful →Frequently asked questions
What does “cheerful” mean?
The word “cheerful” means visibly happy and full of good spirits. In plain terms, in a good, upbeat mood — or bright and pleasant if describing a place.
How do you pronounce “cheerful”?
“Cheerful” is pronounced CHEERFL (/ˈt͡ʃɪɹfl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “cheerful” in a sentence?
Here is “cheerful” used in a sentence: “She greeted every customer with a cheerful smile.”
What part of speech is “cheerful”?
“Cheerful” is an adjective.
Where does the word “cheerful” come from?
The word “cheerful” comes from Middle English. From Middle English chereful, built from cheer (mood) plus the suffix -ful.
Is “cheerful” a common word?
“Cheerful” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “cheerful” have?
“Cheerful” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: visibly happy and full of good spirits.
What is the difference between cheerful and happy?
Cheerful specifically describes a visible, outward display of good spirits, often in demeanor or tone, while happy describes a broader internal state of contentment that may or may not be outwardly shown. A person can be happy without appearing cheerful, but cheerful implies the good mood is noticeable.
Can cheerful describe things as well as people?
Yes, cheerful can describe a place or thing as bright and pleasant, such as a 'cheerful kitchen' or 'cheerful colours,' not just a person's mood. In this sense it refers to an inviting, pleasant quality rather than an emotional state.
Is cheerful a formal or casual word?
Cheerful is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both casual and formal contexts, describing a positive, upbeat quality without being slang. It works equally well in descriptions of people, places, or writing.