gaiety
UK: ˈɡeɪ.ə.ti | US: ˈɡeɪ.ə.t̬i
n. a state or mood of being cheerful, lively, and full of joy
n. merrymaking or festive activity
gaiety = gai<joyful> + ety<noun suffix>
- gai (from Old French gai, meaning "joyful, merry")
- ety (a variant of the noun suffix -ty, derived from Latin -tatem, indicating a state or condition)
Etymology Origin:
The word "gaiety" traces back to the Old French gai (cheerful), which likely originated from a Germanic source related to joy or mirth. The suffix -ety evolved from Latin -tatem, commonly used to form abstract nouns denoting states or qualities. Over time, "gaiety" came to encapsulate the vibrant, lighthearted spirit of celebration and happiness.
The gaiety of the carnival filled the streets with laughter and music.
Her infectious gaiety lifted the spirits of everyone around her.
The party was a scene of pure gaiety, with dancing and singing late into the night.
Despite the rain, the children’s gaiety remained undiminished.
The decorations added a touch of gaiety to the otherwise formal event.