rejoice
C1Formal, literary, elevated. Common in religious, ceremonial, or poetic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
to feel or show great happiness or joy; to be glad
Often implies a triumphant or celebratory happiness, sometimes specifically in response to a positive event or outcome. Can carry a formal or literary tone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Verb. Primarily intransitive ('rejoice at/in/over'). Can be used transitively in archaic or religious contexts ('rejoice the heart'). Often used in the imperative for exhortations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Slightly more common in British formal/religious writing.
Connotations
Both share formal/literary connotations. In American English, may sound slightly more archaic or explicitly religious.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual speech for both; higher in set phrases, hymns, official proclamations, and literature.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rejoice at [news/victory]rejoice in [success/freedom]rejoice over [an outcome]rejoice that [clause]rejoice to [see/hear/infinitive]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Rejoice in the Lord”
- “Rejoice and be glad”
- “Rejoice someone's heart (archaic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in hyperbolic internal communications after a major success: 'We rejoice at the record quarterly profits.'
Academic
Rare in STEM, occasional in humanities for describing historical or literary emotional responses.
Everyday
Very rare in casual talk. Might be used jokingly or sarcastically: 'Oh, rejoice, the washing machine is fixed.'
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The whole nation rejoiced at the peace treaty.
- We rejoice in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
- 'Rejoice!' proclaimed the mayor.
American English
- Fans rejoiced after the team's championship win.
- He rejoiced to see his family again.
- The congregation rejoiced in song.
adverb
British English
- They sang rejoicingly into the night. (Rare/archaic)
American English
- He spoke rejoicingly of their future. (Rare/archaic)
adjective
British English
- A rejoicing crowd gathered at the palace gates.
- With rejoicing hearts, they began the procession.
American English
- The rejoicing supporters flooded the streets.
- She shared the rejoicing news with everyone.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- People rejoice when their team wins.
- We rejoice at good news.
- The community rejoiced over the decision to build a new park.
- It is a time to rejoice and be thankful.
- Historians note that the populace did not universally rejoice in the monarch's accession.
- She secretly rejoiced at her rival's minor setback.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE-ceive JOY' = rejoice.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAPPINESS IS UP/A LIGHT SOURCE ('Her face rejoiced with light'), VICTORY IS A HIGH POINT ('They rejoiced on the summit of their achievement').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Not a direct synonym for 'радоваться' in all contexts; 'rejoice' is stronger/more formal. For everyday 'I'm glad', use 'I'm happy/pleased'. Avoid overusing 'rejoice'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it transitively in modern contexts (*'The news rejoiced me').
- Using it in informal settings where 'celebrate' or 'be happy' is more natural.
- Confusing with 'enjoy' ('rejoice in your youth' is correct but very formal).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'rejoice' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a formal, literary, or religious word. In everyday conversation, words like 'celebrate', 'be happy', or 'be glad' are more common.
Yes, it's sometimes used sarcastically, e.g., 'Oh, rejoice, another Monday.' This highlights its typical association with sincere, elevated joy.
The related noun is 'rejoicing' (uncountable), as in 'There was great rejoicing in the city.'
'Rejoice' focuses on the internal feeling of great joy. 'Celebrate' focuses on the external actions (party, ceremony) that express joy. You can rejoice quietly; celebrating usually involves observable activity.