merriment
C1Formal-Literary
Definition
Meaning
Noisy, cheerful fun and laughter; lighthearted enjoyment and celebration.
A state of gaiety and high spirits, often involving social activity. Can also refer to the activities or sounds associated with such enjoyment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a social, often audible, and lively expression of joy. More formal and evocative than simpler synonyms like 'fun'. Often used to describe a festive or celebratory atmosphere.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Both varieties share the same connotations of formal, possibly old-fashioned, celebration.
Frequency
Equally uncommon in casual speech in both varieties, favouring literary or formal descriptive contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The merriment] + verb (continued, grew, died down)amid/in the midst of + [the merriment]the sound/sounds of + [merriment]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this noun, but related to the adjective 'merry' (e.g., 'Eat, drink, and be merry').”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Rare, may appear in literary or historical analysis.
Everyday
Uncommon; more formal alternative to 'fun' or 'party'.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Merriment is not a verb. The related verb is 'to make merry'.
American English
- Merriment is not a verb. The related verb is 'to make merry'.
adverb
British English
- They danced merrily around the tree. (related: 'merrily')
American English
- The children skipped merrily down the path. (related: 'merrily')
adjective
British English
- The merry crowd's laughter filled the hall. (related: 'merry')
American English
- The merry guests chatted by the fireplace. (related: 'merry')
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The party was full of merriment.
- We could hear sounds of merriment coming from the next room.
- The wedding reception was a scene of great merriment that lasted well into the night.
- Amidst the general merriment, she alone noticed the host's quiet departure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'merry' + 'ment'. The state (-ment) of being merry (cheerful and lively).
Conceptual Metaphor
MERRIMENT IS A SOCIAL SOUND (e.g., sounds/peals of merriment); MERRIMENT IS A VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE (e.g., room was full of merriment).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'развлечение' (entertainment/diversion). 'Merriment' is specifically joyful noise and fun. Closer to 'веселье', 'празднество'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun (*a merriment*). It is usually uncountable.
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'fun' or 'laughs' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following sentences is 'merriment' used most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is considered formal or literary. In everyday conversation, words like 'fun', 'laughs', or 'party' are more common.
No, 'merriment' is almost always an uncountable noun. You do not use an indefinite article with it.
'Happiness' is a broad, internal emotional state. 'Merriment' specifically refers to the lively, often noisy, outward expression of joy in a social setting.
The related adjective is 'merry', as in 'a merry celebration'.