rejoicing
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of great happiness and celebration; a lively expression of joy.
The action of expressing great joy, especially publicly and in a group; an event or occasion characterized by collective celebration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a shared, outward expression of joy rather than a private feeling. Can refer to the emotion itself or the actions expressing it (e.g., shouts, cheers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more formal and literary in both varieties; can evoke a biblical or historical tone.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both UK and US English, found more in writing and formal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
rejoicing at/in/over sthrejoicing among [group]rejoicing followed [event]rejoicing that...There was rejoicing in...The news was met with rejoicing.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Rejoice in the Lord”
- “rejoicing in the streets”
- “a cause for rejoicing”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possible in announcements: 'The merger was completed, and there was much rejoicing in the boardroom.'
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or religious studies contexts to describe collective emotional responses.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Used for emphasis: 'There was great rejoicing when the weekend finally arrived.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They rejoiced at the news of the royal birth.
- We rejoiced in our good fortune.
American English
- Fans rejoiced when the team finally won the championship.
- She rejoiced over her successful exam results.
adverb
British English
- They celebrated rejoicingly into the night. (Rare/Archaic)
- She smiled rejoicingly at the sight. (Rare/Archaic)
American English
- He laughed rejoicingly as he opened the gift. (Rare/Archaic)
- The children ran rejoicingly toward the ice cream truck. (Rare/Archaic)
adjective
British English
- The rejoicing crowds filled Trafalgar Square.
- He sent a rejoicing telegram to his family.
American English
- A rejoicing nation watched the parade on TV.
- Her rejoicing voice could be heard down the hall.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was rejoicing when the sun came out.
- The children's rejoicing was very loud.
- The whole town shared in the rejoicing after the victory.
- Their wedding was a day of great rejoicing for the family.
- Public rejoicing at the news was tempered by concerns about the future.
- The historical account describes the rejoicing that followed the king's return.
- The philosopher cautioned against excessive rejoicing in temporal successes, advocating for spiritual reflection instead.
- The cessation of hostilities was met not with wild rejoicing, but with a profound and weary relief.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'JOY' inside 'reJOICing'. You 're-joy-ce' again and again.
Conceptual Metaphor
JOY IS A LIQUID IN A CONTAINER ('The city was filled with rejoicing'), JOY IS LIGHT ('Her face shone with rejoicing').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'радость' (joy), which is more general. 'Rejoicing' implies active, often vocal expression. 'Ликование' is a closer equivalent.
- Avoid overusing it as a direct translation for simple happiness.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'rejoice').
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'celebration' or 'party' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'rejoicing' most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Joy' is the internal feeling of great pleasure. 'Rejoicing' is the active, often communal or vocal, expression of that joy.
No, it is considered a formal or literary word. In everyday speech, words like 'celebration' or 'party' are more common for events, and 'happiness' or 'joy' for the feeling.
No. The noun 'rejoicing' comes from the verb 'to rejoice'. You cannot say 'they were rejoicinging'. The correct verb form is 'they rejoiced' or 'they are rejoicing'.
Typically, yes, it suggests outward expression. However, in literary contexts, it can sometimes describe a deep, quiet feeling of jubilation, though this is less common.
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