gaiety
gaiety Lexical Profile
gaiety Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The state or quality of being lighthearted, cheerful, or merry.
"The sudden arrival of the musicians brought a sense of gaiety to the otherwise quiet gathering."
Merrymaking, festive activity, or joyful celebration (often used in the plural).
"The seasonal gaieties lasted throughout the week, culminating in a grand masquerade ball."
Bright, colorful, or showy appearance, such as in dress or decoration.
"She admired the vibrant gaiety of the spring flower beds lining the avenue."
Word Nuance & Usage
Unlike the modern primary usage of its root word 'gay,' 'gaiety' has retained its traditional literary meaning of lightheartedness and festivity without referring to sexual orientation.
• Rhymes for gaiety
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from French 'gaieté', derived from Old French 'gai' ('joyful, merry').