1 happier | Definition of happier
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happy

adjective
hap·​py | \ ˈha-pē How to pronounce happy (audio) \
happier; happiest

Definition of happy

1 : favored by luck or fortune : fortunate a happy coincidence
2 : notably fitting, effective, or well adapted : felicitous a happy choice
3a : enjoying or characterized by well-being and contentment is the happiest person I know a happy childhood
b : expressing, reflecting, or suggestive of happiness a happy ending
c : glad, pleased I'm happy to meet you
d : having or marked by an atmosphere of good fellowship : friendly a happy office
4a : characterized by a dazed irresponsible state a punch-happy boxer
b : impulsively or obsessively quick to use or do something trigger-happy
c : enthusiastic about something to the point of obsession : obsessed education-conscious and statistic-happy— Helen Rowen
Other Words from happy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about happy

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Choose the Right Synonym for happy

lucky, fortunate, happy, providential mean meeting with unforeseen success. lucky stresses the agency of chance in bringing about a favorable result. won because of a lucky bounce fortunate suggests being rewarded beyond one's deserts. fortunate in my investments happy combines the implications of lucky and fortunate with stress on being blessed. a series of happy accidents providential more definitely implies the help or intervention of a higher power. a providential change in the weather

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance. fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action. fit for battle suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands. clothes suitable for camping meet suggests a just proportioning. meet payment proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom. proper acknowledgement appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness. an appropriate gift fitting implies harmony of mood or tone. a fitting end apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination. apt quotations happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate. a happy choice of words felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful. a felicitous phrase

Examples of happy in a Sentence

She was a very happy child. You don't look happy. What's the problem? We're all one big, happy family here. I'd do anything to make her happy. I could hear the children's happy laughter in the other room. She had a very happy childhood. They've had a very happy marriage. I was glad the movie had a happy ending. We are so happy that you were able to come to the party. They are not at all happy about the rise in taxes.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 And Jon Snow fans are going to be extremely happy with the revelation about Harington's next movie. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Kit Harington Will Star Opposite Angelina Jolie in Superhero Movie The Eternals," 24 Aug. 2019 Bundle enthusiasts will be happy to know that Lover is also being sold as a package deal. — Dan Kopf, Quartz, "Taylor Swift is the only artist who still sells CDs," 23 Aug. 2019 Sister Jean’s guests seemed even happier to share another moment with her. — Shannon Ryan, chicagotribune.com, "Column: 100-year-old Sister Jean is an example of how to savor life — each day, no matter how long it lasts," 21 Aug. 2019 Nest customers were not happy about this feature removal, as there are some legitimate reasons for wanting to disable the light. — Ron Amadeo, Ars Technica, "The death of “Works with Nest” begins now with Google account migrations," 20 Aug. 2019 Both ladies couldn’t have looked lovelier! Amanda’s happy family news initially came as a shock to the actress, who also appears on Orange Is the New Black. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "‘Last Man Standing’ Star Amanda Fuller Shows Off Her Baby Bump in Gorgeous New Photos," 18 Aug. 2019 Those with privacy concerns will be happy to know that the front-facing 1-megapixel camera has a physical shutter. — Jacob Krol, CNN Underscored, "Score an Echo Show 5 for just $64.99," 18 Aug. 2019 Though the situation for everyone - Manchester United, Swansea City and Daniel James - everyone bar Leeds United, now seem pretty happy with how the situation turned out. — SI.com, "Amazon Documentary 'Take Us Home' Shows How Close Leeds Came to Signing Man Utd's Daniel James," 16 Aug. 2019 Big business groups have not been happy about the fight for $15. — Alexia FernĂĄndez Campbell, Vox, "The $15 minimum wage bill has all but died in the Senate," 16 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'happy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of happy

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for happy

Middle English, from hap

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More Definitions for happy

happy

adjective
How to pronounce happy (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of happy

: feeling pleasure and enjoyment because of your life, situation, etc.
: showing or causing feelings of pleasure and enjoyment
: pleased or glad about a particular situation, event, etc.

See the full definition for happy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

happy

adjective
hap·​py | \ ˈha-pē How to pronounce happy (audio) \
happier; happiest

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