joy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A feeling of great happiness.

   Her face was full of joy when she won.

2. 2
   noun

   A person or thing that brings happiness.

   Her grandchildren are a real joy to her.

3. 3
   noun

   Success or a good result.

   I tried to fix the car but had no joy.

The noun is from Middle English joye, borrowed from Old French joie, from Late Latin gaudia, neuter plural (mistaken as feminine singular) of Latin gaudium (“joy”), from gaudēre (“to be glad, rejoice”). Doublet of jo and gaudy (“Oxford college reunion”). Displaced native Old English ġefēa. The interjection is from the noun. The verb is from Middle English joyen, joȝen, joien, from Old French jöir, from the Old French noun (see above).

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