adjective
gay
Cheerfully bright and lively.
Gay ribbons and bright flowers give the room a festive look.
Etymology
The Old French adjective means cheerful or lively. This sense preserves that brightness of mood or appearance, as distinct from later specialized uses.
More examples
- She hums a gay little tune as she works.
- The garden looks gay with yellow and pink blossoms.
- Their gay laughter fills the house.
Forms
gay · gayer · gayest
gaiety noun — A feeling or expression of cheerful enjoyment.
gaily adverb — In a cheerful or brightly colorful way.