Meaning of Word
Delighted describes a feeling of great pleasure, happiness, or joy in response to something pleasant or satisfying.
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Feeling or expressing great happiness or satisfaction.
- Experiencing pleasure or contentment as a result of something positive or enjoyable.
- A state of being pleased, often in a way that is visibly enthusiastic or overjoyed.
- Used to describe someone’s reaction to a favorable outcome or pleasant surprise.
- Being very happy or thrilled about something.
History and Origin
The word “delighted” comes from the verb “delight”, which originates from the Old French word “delit” or “deliter”, meaning “to please” or “to give pleasure.” The word “delight” itself comes from the Latin “delectare,” meaning “to please” or “to charm.” “Delighted” first appeared in English around the 14th century, and over time, it evolved to describe a more intense or enthusiastic form of pleasure or joy.
Detailed Explanation
To be delighted means to experience a strong, positive emotion in response to something pleasing or enjoyable. This feeling often goes beyond simple happiness and is associated with a heightened sense of joy or satisfaction. People might feel delighted when they receive good news, accomplish a goal, or experience something unexpected and wonderful. The term is often used to convey enthusiasm, making it a more expressive way of saying that someone is pleased or happy.
For example, you might be delighted when meeting a close friend after a long time or when you receive a thoughtful gift. The term is also used in formal expressions, like “I would be delighted,” which conveys eagerness or enthusiasm in a polite and positive way.
Example Sentences
- She was delighted to hear that she had won the scholarship.
- I would be delighted to attend your wedding ceremony.
- The children were delighted with their new toys on Christmas morning.
- He was absolutely delighted by the surprise party his friends threw for him.
- They were delighted to have finally finished the project ahead of schedule.
- I am delighted by your kindness and generosity.
- We were delighted with the beautiful view from the top of the mountain.
- She felt delighted when her favorite band announced a concert in her city.
- He was delighted to see his old friends after many years apart.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Pleased – Feeling content or satisfied, often in response to something positive.
- Thrilled – Extremely happy or excited, often due to an unexpected event.
- Overjoyed – Filled with great happiness, often to the point of being visibly excited.
- Ecstatic – Experiencing overwhelming happiness or joy, often with intense emotion.
- Elated – In high spirits, often as a result of a specific event or achievement.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Happy – A general feeling of contentment or joy.
- Joyful – Filled with or expressing happiness or delight.
- Content – Feeling satisfied and at ease, often without strong emotional expression.
- Eager – An enthusiastic desire or readiness for something pleasant.
- Grateful – Feeling thankful, often in response to a kind or positive gesture.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Exhilarated – Feeling intense excitement and joy, often in response to an event.
- Charmed – Feeling attracted or pleased by something or someone in a delightful way.
- Jubilant – Full of happiness and celebration, especially after success.
- Radiant – Expressing happiness or joy in a way that is visually apparent.
- Satisfied – A feeling of contentment, often after achieving something or getting what you wanted.
Antonyms
- Disappointed – Feeling sadness or dissatisfaction due to unmet expectations.
- Unhappy – Experiencing a general lack of joy or contentment.
- Sad – Feeling sorrow or unhappiness, often in response to negative events.
- Dismayed – Feeling upset, alarmed, or discouraged by something unexpected.
- Miserable – Feeling deeply unhappy or in distress.