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adj Uncommon

joyous

JOY-uhs

Joyous (adj) means Full of joy; happy or delightful. Example: “The wedding was a joyous celebration for both families.”

adj
1
Full of joy; happy or delightful.
"The wedding was a joyous celebration for both families."
"They shared a joyous laugh over old memories."

How to use joyous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishVery close in meaning to joyful — full of happiness, often used for events and occasions.

Common mistake

Joyous and joyful are near-synonyms; joyous leans slightly more toward describing occasions and atmospheres rather than a person's mood.

Easily confused with

Word forms

more joyous comparative, most joyous superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The wedding was a _____ celebration for both families.

Etymology

From Old French joieus, itself from joie ("joy") plus the adjective suffix -eus.

Origin: Old French

Related words

Rhymes for joyous

See all rhymes for joyous →

Frequently asked questions

What does “joyous” mean?

The word “joyous” means full of joy; happy or delightful. In plain terms, very close in meaning to joyful — full of happiness, often used for events and occasions.

How do you pronounce “joyous”?

“Joyous” is pronounced JOY-uhs (/ˈd͡ʒɔɪəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “joyous” in a sentence?

Here is “joyous” used in a sentence: “The wedding was a joyous celebration for both families.”

What part of speech is “joyous”?

“Joyous” is an adjective.

Where does the word “joyous” come from?

The word “joyous” comes from Old French. From Old French joieus, itself from joie ("joy") plus the adjective suffix -eus.

Is “joyous” a common word?

“Joyous” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial