glad
glad
Glad (adj) means Pleased or happy about something. Example: “He was glad to hear that his sister had passed her driving test.”
adj
1
Pleased or happy about something.
"I'm always glad to be of service."
"He was glad to hear that his sister had passed her driving test."
"I'm glad the rain has finally stopped."
"I'm so glad you could make it to the party."
"She was glad to finally be home."
"I was glad of receiving the tent in time for the camping trip."
How to use glad
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFeeling pleased or happy about something.
Common mistake
"Glad" describes a reaction to something specific ("glad you came"), while "happy" can describe a general state ("I am happy").
Common pairings
glad to hear it
glad tidings
so glad
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like glad.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- glads
- Third person singular
- glads
- Past tense
- gladded
- Comparative
- gladder, more glad
- Superlative
- most glad, gladdest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was _____ to hear that his sister had passed her driving test.
Etymology
From Old English glæd ("shining, bright, cheerful"), from a Germanic root also meaning "smooth" or "radiant."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for glad
See all rhymes for glad →Frequently asked questions
What does “glad” mean?
The word “glad” means pleased or happy about something. In plain terms, feeling pleased or happy about something.
How do you pronounce “glad”?
“Glad” is pronounced glad (/ɡlæd/ in IPA).
How do you use “glad” in a sentence?
Here is “glad” used in a sentence: “I'm so glad you could make it to the party.”
What is the opposite of “glad”?
The opposite of “glad” — its antonyms — are cranky, depressed, downcast, heavy and peevish.
What part of speech is “glad”?
“Glad” is an adjective.
Where does the word “glad” come from?
The word “glad” comes from Old English. From Old English glæd ("shining, bright, cheerful"), from a Germanic root also meaning "smooth" or "radiant.".
Is “glad” a common word?
“Glad” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between glad and happy?
The two overlap, but there is a subtle difference. 'Glad' usually points to a specific reason or situation, often with a sense of relief — 'I'm glad you're safe.' 'Happy' describes a broader, more lasting feeling of contentment or joy. You can be glad about one thing while not being generally happy.
Is 'glad' formal or informal?
'Glad' is neutral and versatile, comfortable in both casual and polite settings. You will hear it in friendly conversation — 'glad you came' — and in courteous business phrases like 'I'd be glad to help.' It is warm without being overly emotional, which makes it useful across many everyday situations.
What is the opposite of glad?
The main opposites are sad, sorry, and disappointed, all describing displeasure rather than pleasure. Depending on the sentence, 'unhappy,' 'regretful,' or 'upset' can also work. For example, the opposite of 'I'm glad it happened' would be 'I'm sorry it happened' or 'I wish it hadn't.'
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include glad:
