noun
jollity
JAH-luh-tee/ˈdʒɑːləti/
Cheerful enjoyment and good humor.
The picnic game fills the older friends with laughter and jollity.
Etymology
Old French jolivete named cheerfulness as well as a life of pleasure. English jollity first included merrymaking and revelry, then also named the lighthearted mood behind such enjoyment.
In context
which made the jollity that had been kept up so far begin to flag.
More examples
- Her infectious jollity puts even the shyest guests at ease.
- A little jollity makes the long workday easier.
- Beneath his usual jollity, he hides a serious concern.
Forms
jollity
jolly adjective — Cheerful and full of good humor.
Similar words
- merriment
- Emphasizes lively fun and laughter rather than general good humor.
- cheerfulness
- Describes a positive mood without necessarily suggesting festive enjoyment.