glee
UK: ɡliː | US: ɡliː
n. 1. A feeling of lively joy or delight, often expressed through laughter or exuberance.
n. 2. (Archaic) A part-song for three or more voices, typically unaccompanied and cheerful in nature.
The word "glee" traces back to Old English glēo, which originally referred to entertainment, play, or musical performance. Over time, its meaning narrowed to focus on the emotional aspect of joy, especially in communal or expressive contexts. The archaic musical sense (a type of song) reflects its roots in communal celebration. The word’s brevity and simplicity make it memorable, embodying the very lightness it describes.
The children laughed with glee as they played in the snow.
She clapped her hands in glee upon hearing the good news.
His face lit up with pure glee when he won the game.
The choir performed a traditional glee at the festival.
There’s nothing like the glee of unwrapping a surprise gift.