gladden: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, somewhat formal.
Quick answer
What does “gladden” mean?
To make someone pleased, happy, or joyful.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make someone pleased, happy, or joyful.
To cause feelings of joy, happiness, or satisfaction; to brighten someone's mood or disposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word in the same contexts.
Connotations
Connotes a refined, often emotional or personal happiness in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English literary texts, but remains a low-frequency word in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “gladden” in a Sentence
gladden someonegladden someone's heartVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gladden” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sight of the first daffodils gladdened the walkers' hearts.
- Her kind words greatly gladdened him.
American English
- News of his safe return gladdened the entire community.
- It gladdened her to see the project finally succeed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in formal communications wishing a client well, e.g., 'We are gladdened by the success of our partnership.'
Academic
Occasionally found in literary or historical analysis texts describing emotional responses.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used for deliberate poetic or humorous effect.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gladden”
- Using 'gladden' in casual conversation sounds unnatural. Confusing with 'gladly' (adverb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's relatively uncommon and has a formal, literary, or slightly old-fashioned feel.
You can, but it will sound formal or poetic. More common alternatives are 'please', 'delight', or 'make happy'.
'Gladden' implies a deeper, more heartfelt joy and is more emotive. 'Please' is more neutral and general.
Yes, the noun is 'gladness', but this is also literary and not directly related to the act of gladdening.
To make someone pleased, happy, or joyful.
Gladden is usually literary, somewhat formal. in register.
Gladden: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæd.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlæd.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “gladden the heart”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GLAD' (happy) + the verb suffix '-EN' (to make). 'Gladden' = to make glad.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAPPINESS IS LIGHT (e.g., 'The news gladdened her, lighting up her face').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'gladden' most appropriately?