HAPPINESS Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com (original) (raw)

[hap-ee-nis] / ˈhæp i nɪs /

noun

happiness plural

the quality or state of being happy.
Synonyms:
satisfaction, enjoyment, delight, contentedness, bliss, exhilaration, joy, pleasure
Antonyms:
misery
good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.
Synonyms:
delight, contentedness, bliss, exhilaration, joy, pleasure, satisfaction, enjoyment

Synonym Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

overhappiness noun

Inflected Forms

happiness plural

Etymology

Origin of happiness

First recorded in 1520–30; happy + -ness

Compare meaning

How does happiness compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

happiness vs. contentment

Explanation

Happiness is that feeling that comes over you when you know life is good and you can't help but smile. It's the opposite of sadness. Happiness is a sense of well-being, joy, or contentment. When people are successful, or safe, or lucky, they feel happiness. The "pursuit of happiness" is something this country is based on, and different people feel happiness for different reasons. Whenever doing something causes happiness, people usually want to do more of it. No one ever complained about feeling too much happiness.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing happiness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Report of 2024, 9 out of 10 girls and young women say social media brings them happiness.

FromSlate • Jun. 18, 2026

Revealing the plans on Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "I am not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children, and that is why this ban must happen."

FromBBC • Jun. 16, 2026

But these attributes have no bearing on the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that are every human being’s birthright.

FromThe Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

“It has a younger, more welcoming vibe and it feels very inclusive and a place to share happiness and not to nitpick and tear anyone apart,” Irani said.

FromLos Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026

“Oh, no,” Jack said as every bit of energy, every bit of hope, every bit of happiness drained out of him like water.

From"Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023