Definition of happy
Short definition: The word Happy describes a feeling of joy, contentment, or satisfaction, often experienced in everyday moments, friendly interactions, or simple pleasures that make life feel positive, light, and enjoyable.
Looking for a clear and human explanation of the word happy? This page explores what happy really means in daily life—not just as a feeling, but as an attitude, a reaction, and sometimes even a choice. The explanations below focus on how people actually use the word happy in real conversations, relationships, work situations, and personal moments.
Comparatives: happier, happiest
Related: happily adv., happiness n.
Syllable: hap-py
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Feeling genuine joy, pleasure, or emotional contentment, often as a response
to positive events, relationships, or personal achievements.
She felt truly happy when she realized that years of hard work had finally paid off and she could relax without regret.He looked happy sitting quietly with his family, enjoying a peaceful evening without distractions or pressure.The children were visibly happy after spending the entire day playing outside and laughing together.
Synonyms: joyful, cheerful, delighted, pleased, content, thrilled, elated, overjoyed, radiant, glad, satisfied, upbeat
Antonyms: unhappy, miserable, depressed, sorrowful, gloomy, upset, downcast, heartbroken, distressed, discontented, gloomy-minded, joyless -
Experiencing a calm sense of satisfaction or inner peace, even without
excitement or dramatic emotion.
She felt quietly happy with her simple routine, appreciating stability rather than chasing constant excitement.He was happy living a modest life, as long as his days felt meaningful and balanced.They were genuinely happy with what they had, even though their lifestyle looked ordinary to others.
Synonyms: contented, fulfilled, at ease, comfortable, peaceful, settled, satisfied, serene, balanced, secure, relaxed, grounded
Antonyms: restless, dissatisfied, uneasy, frustrated, unsettled, anxious, irritated, troubled, unfulfilled, tense, bothered, conflicted -
Feeling pleased or satisfied with a particular decision, result,
or outcome after reflection.
She was happy with her decision to change careers, even though it meant starting over from scratch.He said he was happy with how the meeting went, despite a few unexpected challenges.They felt happy about the final design because it truly reflected their original vision.
Synonyms: satisfied, pleased, content, approving, comfortable, confident, reassured, okay with, fine with, fulfilled, convinced, accepting
Antonyms: dissatisfied, disappointed, displeased, regretful, doubtful, unhappy with, frustrated, uneasy, critical, uncertain, conflicted, unconvinced -
Willing or glad to do something, often used politely to show openness,
readiness, or cooperation (commonly followed by
to + verb).I’d be happy to help you sort this out once I finish my current task.She said she was happy to join the project, especially because it aligned with her long-term goals.We’re happy to answer any questions if something is still unclear.Synonyms: willing, glad, ready, eager, agreeable, cooperative, open, prepared, keen, responsive, supportive, accommodating
Antonyms: unwilling, reluctant, hesitant, resistant, opposed, uncooperative, disinclined, hesitant-minded, refusing, resistant-minded, closed-off, hesitant-hearted -
(Formal or literary) Fortunate, lucky, or favored by circumstances,
often used to describe outcomes rather than emotions.
It was a happy coincidence that the opportunity arrived just when she needed it most.He made a happy choice by trusting his instincts rather than following pressure from others.They considered themselves happy in their timing, having avoided many difficulties by acting early.
Synonyms: fortunate, lucky, favorable, blessed, well-timed, advantageous, providential, successful, promising, golden, auspicious, beneficial
Antonyms: unfortunate, unlucky, ill-fated, disastrous, adverse, cursed, doomed, unfavorable, untimely, unlucky-minded, harmful, bleak
