The spelling of the phrase "look delighted" can be broken down into its individual sounds. The first word, "look," is spelled with the vowel sound /ʊ/ and the consonant sound /l/. The second word, "delighted," is spelled with the vowel sound /ɪ/ followed by the consonant sound /d/, the diphthong /ɛɪ/ and the voiced alveolar plosive /t/. Together, the phrase is pronounced as /lʊk dIˈlaɪtɪd/ and means to appear very pleased or happy.
The phrase "look delighted" refers to the visual expression of extreme happiness or joy exhibited by an individual. When someone appears delighted, they convey a genuine and strong sense of pleasure, often characterized by facial expressions, body language, and overall demeanor. Their eyes may widen, their mouth may form a broad smile, and their body may adopt an upright or energetic posture.
The term "look delighted" suggests that the individual experiences an overwhelming sense of contentment or delight, possibly due to a surprising, pleasant, or long-awaited event or circumstance. The expression is typically associated with a state of euphoria or excitement that is visually evident to others.
Individuals who look delighted may radiate positive energy and enthusiasm, captivating those around them with their contagious happiness. This expression can arise from various situations, including receiving unexpected good news, accomplishing a long-term goal, or encountering a person or thing that brings immense joy.
The precise characteristics of one's facial expression may vary depending on cultural norms and personal dispositions. However, regardless of the contrasting degrees or ways in which people show delight, the core element remains the same: a visible and palpable exhibition of profound happiness, typically associated with a captivating smile, sparkling eyes, and an overall exuberant demeanor.
The phrase "look delighted" does not have a specific etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate words: "look" and "delighted". However, we can provide the individual etymologies for each word:
1. Look: The word "look" originates from Middle English and can be traced back to the Old English word "lōcian". It is related to the Dutch word "kijken" and the German word "schauen". The Old English word "lōcian" referred to the action of keeping one's eyes wide open or paying attention. Over time, "look" evolved to refer to various aspects related to perception, gaze, or appearance.
2. Delighted: The word "delighted" has its roots in the Middle English word "delitien", which is derived from Old French "delitier" or "deleitier".