jollities
C2Literary, Formal, Dated/Archaic
Definition
Meaning
The plural of 'jollity', meaning enjoyable, lively activities or celebrations; merry festivities.
Actions, events, or atmospheres characterized by cheerful fun, boisterous merrymaking, or convivial amusement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A plural mass noun. Often used in a nostalgic or slightly ironic tone. Implies a collective, social form of joy rather than individual happiness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be encountered in British English, particularly in historical or literary contexts. American usage is extremely rare and would be perceived as deliberately archaic or humorous.
Connotations
In UK English, it can evoke a quaint, Dickensian, or old-fashioned sense of communal fun. In US English, it sounds markedly old-fashioned or whimsical.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, but marginally higher in UK corpora due to preserved literary and historical references.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [adjective] jollities of [noun phrase]The jollities associated with [event]The jollities continued [adverbial of time/place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The jollities are over (meaning the fun/celebration has ended).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Almost never used. Might appear ironically in a company newsletter about a Christmas party.
Academic
Rare. Might appear in historical or literary studies describing social customs.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound deliberately quaint or humorous.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Christmas jollities made everyone happy.
- After the formal dinner, the evening's jollities began with games and dancing.
- He had little patience for the noisy jollities of the office party.
- The historical account vividly describes the rustic jollities that followed the harvest.
- Amidst the wartime gloom, such simple jollities were a precious respite.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Jolly' old Saint Nicholas and all the festive activities he brings → 'jollities'.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY IS A SOCIAL EVENT / FESTIVITY (e.g., 'The jollities filled the hall').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of the root 'jolly' as 'весёлый'. The plural noun is closer to 'веселье', 'гулянки', 'празднества'.
- Do not confuse with 'jokes' or 'amusements' which are more individual ('шутки', 'развлечения').
Common Mistakes
- Using as a singular ('a jollity' is very rare).
- Using in modern, casual contexts where 'party' or 'celebration' is appropriate.
- Misspelling as 'jolities'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'jollities' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, literary, and somewhat old-fashioned word. You are much more likely to encounter 'festivities' or 'celebrations' in modern English.
Rarely. 'Jollity' is usually an uncountable noun meaning a state of being jolly (e.g., 'an atmosphere of jollity'). The plural 'jollities' refers to specific instances or events of merrymaking.
They are very close synonyms. 'Jollities' specifically emphasizes the cheerful, merry, and often boisterous nature of the fun, while 'festivities' is a more neutral term for the events and activities of a celebration.
It is not modern informal speech. Its register is literary, formal, or deliberately archaic. Using it in casual conversation would sound odd or intentionally humorous.