What is glee? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of glee in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of glee

gleenoun

Glee

/ɡliː//ɡliː/

Where does the word glee come from?

The word "glee" has its roots in Old English and has a rich history. The noun "glee" originated from the Old English word "gigli", meaning "merriment" or "rejoicing". In Middle English (circa 1100-1500), the word evolved to "glee", referring to a feeling of joy, delight, or mirth. The term was often used to describe a festive or celebratory atmosphere, such as a Christmas glee or a May Day glee. In the 19th century, the word took on a new meaning, referring to a type of choral music characterized by joyful, upbeat melodies. Today, "glee" can describe a range of emotions, from simple pleasure to exuberant excitement. Overall, the word "glee" has retained its sense of joy and revelry over the centuries, making it a beloved and evocative term in many languages.

Vocabulary summary glee

typenoun

meaningjoy, happiness

meaning(music) three-part song; four-part song

Example of vocabulary gleenamespace

  • Sarah's face was filled with glee as she ripped open the wrapped present on Christmas morning.
  • The group of children let out loud laughs and glee as they played a game of tag in the park.
  • The fans erupted in glee as their favorite singer took the stage at the concert.
  • The innovative proposal presented by the team member caused immense glee among her colleagues.
  • As the child watched the storybook unfold, glee and excitement filled his eyes.

Synonyms and related words for glee

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