adjective

cheerful

Showing happiness or creating a pleasant mood.

Her cheerful smile makes everyone at the table feel welcome.

Etymology

The older word concerns the face or expression. It developed toward mood and good spirits, so cheerful describes a happy disposition or something that encourages it.

More examples

  • Yellow curtains give the kitchen a cheerful look.
  • He stays cheerful even when work gets stressful.
  • She hums a cheerful tune while washing the dishes.

Forms

cheerful · more cheerful · most cheerful

cheerfully adverb — In a happy or pleasant manner.

cheerfulness noun — The quality of being happy and pleasant.

Similar words

happy
Emphasizes feeling pleasure or contentment rather than outward expression.
upbeat
Emphasizes optimism and positive energy rather than simple happiness.
bright
Describes a lively, pleasant appearance or manner, not necessarily happiness.