Definition of Gleeful
Quick Meaning of Gleeful
Feeling or showing very happy and excited emotions in an open, noticeable way.
Detailed Definition of Gleeful
Full of high-spirited delight and uninhibited joy; exuberantly happy.
How to Pronounce Gleeful
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: GLEE-ful. The vowel in glee is long (like fleece), not short.
Watch out: Some speakers shorten the first vowel to /ˈɡlɪfəl/, losing the distinction from other -ful adjectives.
Origin and Etymology of Gleeful
From Middle English glee (merriment, music) + -ful suffix; glee derives from Old English glēo (entertainment, jesting).
How to Use Gleeful in a Sentence
Each example shows “gleeful” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The children were gleeful when they learned about the surprise party.”
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“She let out a gleeful laugh upon discovering the lost manuscript.”
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“Despite the grave circumstances, he wore a disturbingly gleeful expression.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Gleeful
Common Synonyms for Gleeful
Smart Synonyms for Gleeful — When to Use Each
- delighted
- Emphasizes satisfaction from discovery.
- elated
- Conveys intense exuberance or euphoria.
- exultant
- Stresses triumphant joy after achievement.
Antonyms of Gleeful
Common Collocations with Gleeful
These phrases pair with “gleeful” in everyday English:
- gleeful expression
- gleeful laughter
- gleeful anticipation
- gleeful abandon
Common Mistakes When Using Gleeful
Even fluent speakers slip up with “gleeful”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: He was gleeful about the accident.
- ✓ Correct: He was gleeful about winning the race.
- Why: Gleeful usually describes joy at positive outcomes; gleeful about accidents sounds cruel.
- ✗ Wrong: She grunted gleefully.
- ✓ Correct: She laughed gleefully.
- Why: Gleeful implies open, uninhibited expression; grunting contradicts the spirit of the word.
Words Confused With Gleeful
- Gleeful vs Glee: Glee is the noun (spirit of merriment); gleeful is the adjective describing someone full of glee.
Other Forms of Gleeful
Frequently Asked Questions About Gleeful
What is the meaning of "Gleeful"?
Feeling or showing very happy and excited emotions in an open, noticeable way.
How do you pronounce "Gleeful"?
The IPA is /ˈɡliːfəl/. Stress the first syllable: GLEE-ful. The vowel in glee is long (like fleece), not short.
What part of speech is "Gleeful"?
"Gleeful" is an adjective at C1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Gleeful"?
Common synonyms include joyful, delighted, elated.
How do you use "Gleeful" in a sentence?
For example: "The children were gleeful when they learned about the surprise party."