Definitions for: Happiness


[n] emotions experienced when in a state of well-being
[n] state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy



Webster (1913) Definition: Hap"pi*ness, n. [From Happy.]
1. Good luck; good fortune; prosperity.

All happiness bechance to thee in Milan! --Shak.

2. An agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from
good fortune or propitious happening of any kind; the
possession of those circumstances or that state of being
which is attended enjoyment; the state of being happy;
contentment; joyful satisfaction; felicity; blessedness.

3. Fortuitous elegance; unstudied grace; -- used especially
of language.

Some beauties yet no precepts can declare, For
there's a happiness, as well as care. --Pope.

Syn: Happiness, Felicity, Blessedness, Bliss.

Usage: Happiness is generic, and is applied to almost every
kind of enjoyment except that of the animal appetites;
felicity is a more formal word, and is used more
sparingly in the same general sense, but with elevated
associations; blessedness is applied to the most
refined enjoyment arising from the purest social,
benevolent, and religious affections; bliss denotes
still more exalted delight, and is applied more
appropriately to the joy anticipated in heaven.

O happiness! our being's end and aim! --Pope.

Others in virtue place felicity, But virtue
joined with riches and long life; In corporal
pleasures he, and careless ease. --Milton.

His overthrow heaped happiness upon him; For
then, and not till then, he felt himself, And
found the blessedness of being little. --Shak.

Synonyms: felicity

Antonyms: sadness, unhappiness, unhappiness

See Also: beatification, beatitude, belonging, blessedness, blitheness, bonheur, cheerfulness, contentment, emotional state, feeling, gaiety, gladfulness, gladness, gladsomeness, merriment, radiance, rejoicing, spirit

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