Jollity (/ˈdʒɒlɪti/) is a noun that refers to the state or quality of being cheerful and merry. The IPA phonetic transcription indicates that "jollity" is pronounced with a "dʒ" sound at the beginning, followed by a short "ɒ" vowel sound, a double "l" consonant sound, and an "ɪ" vowel sound before the final "ti" syllable. The spelling of "jollity" reflects its Latin root word, "jollis," meaning merry or festive, and its suffix "-ity," which forms a noun indicating a particular quality or state.
Jollity refers to a state or mood of lively or joyful cheerfulness and merriment. It is a noun that encapsulates a sense of vivacity, happiness, and a carefree spirit experienced by individuals or groups. The term carries a connotation of festive celebration and camaraderie, typically characterized by a boisterous and exuberant atmosphere.
When engaged in jollity, people exude a sense of overflowing delight and enjoyment, often accompanied by laughter, smiles, and playful interactions. It emphasizes a light-heartedness that can be contagious, spreading joy and happiness to others. Jollity is often observed during times of celebration, such as festivals, parties, or family gatherings, where people come together to revel in each other's company and share in the joviality of the occasion.
The concept of jollity also conveys a sense of lightheartedness in the face of challenges or adversity. It embodies an attitude of resilience and optimism, as individuals find solace in laughter and communal revelry, forging bonds that help them navigate through difficult times.
Overall, jollity encapsulates the vibrant and jubilant aspects of human emotions and interactions, encompassing a state of mirthful togetherness and the ability to find joy in both the simplest of pleasures and the grandest of experiences.
Noisy mirth; hilarity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word jollity originated from the Middle English word jolite, which was derived from Old French jolivete or joliveté. This Old French term ultimately came from the Latin word iollitas or iocunditas, meaning merriment or joy.