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joy

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joy

Main Entry:: ¹joy
Pronunciation:: \ˈjȯi\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French joie, from Latin gaudia, plural of gaudium, from gaudēre to rejoice; probably akin to Greek gēthein to rejoice
Date:: 13th century

1 a: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight b: the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss3: a source or cause of delight

— joy·less

Listen to the pronunciation of joyless

\-ləs\ adjective

— joy·less·ly adverb

— joy·less·ness noun

Learn more about "joy" and related topics at Britannica.com

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