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Definition of joyous

joyous

/ˈdʒɔɪ.əs/
joy · ous
Adverb:joyously
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joyous Lexical Profile

joyous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Full of, experiencing, or causing great happiness, delight, and celebration.

Example

"The family gathered in the garden for a joyous reunion after years apart."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for joyous
Antonyms
View all antonyms for joyous

Word Nuance & Usage

While often interchangeable with "joyful," "joyous" is somewhat more formal and typically modifies occasions, atmospheres, or events (e.g., "a joyous celebration"), whereas "joyful" more commonly describes a person's internal feeling or demeanor.

• Rhymes for joyous

• Nearby Words

joyless
joylessly
joylessness
joyous
joyously
joyousness
joypad

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English "joious," borrowed from Old French "joios" (modern French "joyeux"), derived from "joie" (joy), ultimately from Latin "gaudium" (inward joy, delight).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Joyous. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/joyous
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