joyless
/'dʤɔilis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not experiencing or inspiring joy; lacking happiness or pleasure: Describes a person, situation, or thing that is without cheer, delight, or positive emotion. It implies a state of gloom, dullness, or solemnity.
Usage and Examples
Describing a person's demeanor or character:
- He was a joyless man who rarely smiled or laughed.
- Her joyless expression made everyone uncomfortable.
Describing an event, atmosphere, or period of time:
- The meeting was a long and joyless affair.
- They endured a joyless winter in the isolated cabin.
Describing an abstract quality or experience:
- The work was repetitive and joyless.
- He viewed his duty as a joyless obligation.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Joyless" vs. "Sad" or "Unhappy": While "sad" or "unhappy" describe a temporary emotional state, "joyless" often describes a more inherent, enduring quality of something or someone, suggesting a fundamental absence of joy or the capacity for it.
- Connotation: The word often carries a connotation of bleakness, austerity, or a grim, mechanical quality, not merely a lack of momentary happiness.
Variants and Related Words
- Joylessly (adverb): In a joyless manner.
- He performed his tasks joylessly.
- Joylessness (noun): The state or quality of being joyless.
- The joylessness of his life was apparent to all.
Synonyms
- Gloomy
- Bleak
- Dreary
- Somber
- Cheerless
- Dismal
Antonyms
- Joyful
- Cheerful
- Happy
- Delightful
- Pleasant
Idiomatic Expressions and Common Phrases
- A joyless existence: A life lived without happiness or fulfillment.
- After the war, many survivors led a joyless existence.
- Joyless perfection: Achievement or correctness that is technically flawless but lacks any sense of pleasure, warmth, or inspiration.
- The pianist's technique was impeccable, but his performance was an exercise in joyless perfection.
Adjective
- not experiencing or inspiring joy
- a joyless man
- a joyless occasion
- joyless evenings