gleeful
UK: ˈɡliːfl̩ | US: ˈɡliːfl̩
adj. full of high-spirited delight; joyful or exuberant
The word "gleeful" combines "glee," derived from Old English "glēo" (meaning joy, mirth, or musical entertainment), with the suffix "-ful," from Old English "-full" (meaning "full of"). Originally, "glee" referred to entertainment or musical performance, but by the 17th century, it shifted to denote exuberant happiness. The suffix "-ful" systematically converts nouns into adjectives indicating abundance. Thus, "gleeful" literally means "full of joy," reflecting its modern usage for lively delight.
The children were gleeful after receiving their surprise gifts.
She gave a gleeful laugh when she won the game.
His gleeful expression revealed his excitement about the trip.
The audience erupted in gleeful applause at the end of the performance.
The puppy’s gleeful barking filled the park with energy.