Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Made joyful or happy: Describes a state of being made to feel joy, pleasure, or cheerfulness. It implies a change from a previous state to a happier one, often as a result of a specific cause or event.

Usage

• The word "gladdened" is used to describe a person's emotional state after something has caused them to feel happy or pleased. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts than the simpler word "happy."
• It is typically used as a predicate adjective (following a linking verb like , , ) or occasionally as an attributive adjective before a noun.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She was gladdened by the good news from her family.
  • His heart felt gladdened at the sight of his old friends.
  • The gladdened crowd cheered for the returning heroes.

Advanced Usage

• "to gladden the heart": A common phrase meaning to make someone feel very happy or comforted.
  • The kind words from the stranger gladdened her heart.

Variants and Related Words

• Gladden (verb): To make glad or happy; to please.
  • The victory will gladden the hearts of their supporters.
• Glad (adjective): Feeling pleasure or happiness.
  • I am glad you could come.

Synonyms

• Delighted: Very pleased.
• Cheered: Made happier or more hopeful.
• Heartened: Given courage, hope, or confidence; encouraged.
• Elated: Very happy and excited.

Antonyms

• Saddened: Made sad.
• Depressed: In a state of unhappiness or despondency.
• Disheartened: Having lost determination or confidence.

Adjective

1. made joyful
   • the sun and the wind on his back made him feel exhilarated--happy to be alive