delight

A strong feeling of happiness or pleasure.

• The children laughed with delight.
• To her delight, the flowers had opened.
• He takes great delight in cooking for friends.

How to use it: delight in something (She takes delight in growing her own vegetables.); to someone’s delight (To my delight, my brother arrived early.)

Similar words: joy, pleasure

Opposites: misery

Common phrases: with delight, to someone’s delight, take delight in, pure delight

A person or thing that gives you great pleasure.

• Your garden is a delight.
• The children were a delight to teach.
• The market offers many local delights.

How to use it: a delight to do something (This little car is a delight to drive.)

Similar words: pleasure, treat

Common phrases: a real delight, a delight to

To make someone feel very happy or pleased.

• The puppies delight the children.
• Her visit delighted her grandparents.
• This playful song will delight younger listeners.

Similar words: please, thrill

Opposites: displease

Common phrases: delight someone, delight the audience, delight the eye