glad
UK: ɡlæd | US: ɡlæd
adj. feeling pleasure or happiness
adj. causing happiness; joyful
adj. willing or eager (archaic/formal)
The word "glad" traces back to Old English glæd, meaning "bright, shining, cheerful," derived from Proto-Germanic gladaz (smooth, shining). Its original sense of physical brightness (e.g., gleaming surfaces) evolved metaphorically to describe emotional brightness (joy). The connection between light and happiness persists in related words like German glatt (smooth) and Old Norse glathr (merry). Over time, "glad" lost its literal "shining" meaning but retained its emotional connotation.
She was glad to hear the good news.
His glad smile lit up the room.
They exchanged glad greetings at the reunion.
"I’d be glad to help," he offered warmly.
The glad tidings spread quickly through the village.