happiness

[hap-ee-nis]

noun

1. the quality or state of being happy.

   Synonyms: satisfaction, enjoyment, delight, contentedness, bliss, exhilaration, joy, pleasure
   Antonyms: misery

2. good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

   Synonyms: delight, contentedness, bliss, exhilaration, joy, pleasure, satisfaction, enjoyment

Other Word Forms

• overhappiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of happiness¹

First recorded in 1520–30; happy + -ness

Synonym Study

Happiness, bliss, contentment, felicity imply an active or passive state of pleasure or pleasurable satisfaction. Happiness results from the possession or attainment of what one considers good: the happiness of visiting one's family. Bliss is unalloyed happiness or supreme delight: the bliss of perfect companionship. Contentment is a peaceful kind of happiness in which one rests without desires, even though every wish may not have been gratified: contentment in one's surroundings. Felicity is a formal word for happiness of an especially fortunate or intense kind: to wish a young couple felicity in life.

Example Sentences

Studies show that donating to religious or charitable causes literally feels good, because such actions trigger the release of dopamine, endorphins and other “happiness chemicals” in the brain.

From Salon

In an interview with TNT Sports Brazil, Antony said he found happiness again at Betis and that his situation in England affected his family life, describing the period as "very hard days for me".

From BBC

So, to return to the original question: Will Taylor's music reflect her newfound happiness?

From BBC

"We won't ever accept that she is gone or the way she went, but we're hoping we can find moments of happiness."

From BBC

She engineers the box’s return to its owner, making him think that fate alone has reunited him with his lost treasures, and observes the happiness it brings him.

From Salon

Related Words

• bliss 
• contentment 
• delight 
• elation 
• enjoyment 
• euphoria 
• exhilaration 
• glee 
• joy 
• jubilation 
• laughter 
• optimism 
• peace of mind www.thesaurus.com
• pleasure 
• prosperity 
• well-being