Jolly
'dʒɒli
Definitions
2 meaningsHappy and cheerful, full of good spirits.
'dʒɒli
Happy and cheerful
The children were jolly playing in the park.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a party, and everyone's laughing, smiling, and having a great time. That feeling of being happy and excited? That's being jolly! Like when you get a really fun present, or when you're laughing with your best friends.
👶 For kids: When someone is jolly, they are super happy and smiling!
More Examples
He was a jolly old man with a twinkle in his eye.
We had a jolly time at the picnic.
How It's Used
"She was in a jolly mood after receiving good news."
"The jolly knight rode through the forest, singing songs."
In a happy or merry way; expressing joy.
'dʒɒli
Used to express enjoyment or happiness
I am jolly pleased with my test results.
💡 Simply: Using 'jolly' like 'very' or 'really', but for happy feelings. Like saying 'We're jolly excited about the trip!' It adds extra excitement.
👶 For kids: When you say something is jolly, it means you are really happy about it!
More Examples
We are jolly well prepared for the party.
They were jolly surprised to see her.
How It's Used
"We were jolly glad to see them."
Idioms & expressions
have a jolly good time
To enjoy oneself greatly; to have a very pleasant or enjoyable experience.
"We had a jolly good time at the concert."
From Old French *jolif* or *joly* ('festive, cheerful'), possibly from Old Norse *jóla* (Yule, a winter festival).
The word 'jolly' has been used since the 14th century to describe a joyful or merry disposition. It was often associated with festive occasions.
Memory tip
Think of a jolly Santa Claus, always smiling and full of glee.
Word Origin
"festive, cheerful"