Definition

Verb: * To cause someone to feel pleased, contented, or joyful; to bring happiness to someone.

Usage

The verb phrase "make happy" is transitive and requires a direct object (the person or people who become happy). It describes an action that results in a positive emotional state for the recipient. It is a common and straightforward phrase.

Examples

• The surprise party made her very happy.
• A simple compliment can make someone's day happy.
• His goal is to make his children happy.

Advanced Usage

• Causative Structure: "Make happy" follows the causative structure "make + [object] + [adjective complement]." The adjective "happy" describes the state of the object after the action.
• Formality: It is a neutral phrase, acceptable in both casual and formal contexts, though more descriptive synonyms might be preferred in very formal writing.

Variants and Related Words

• Happy-making (adj, rare): Serving to create happiness.
  • It was a happy-making occasion.

Synonyms

• Delight: To give great pleasure or satisfaction.
• Please: To cause someone to feel happy and satisfied.
• Cheer up: To make someone feel less sad or more happy.
• Gladden (literary): To make glad or happy.

Antonyms

• Make sad
• Upset
• Depress

Related Phrases

• Make someone's day: To make someone very happy, often through a small, kind act.
  • Your thank-you note really made my day.

Verb

1. celebrate noisily, often indulging in drinking; engage in uproarious festivities
   • The members of the wedding party made merry all night
   • Let's whoop it up--the boss is gone!