Cheerfulnesses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state of being noticeably happy or optimistic with frequent expressions of joy
2. A collection of instances marked by a buoyant and positive attitude towards life
3. Multiple occurrences characterized by a lively disposition and a tendency to promote happiness

Etymology: "Cheerfulnesses" is simply the plural of "cheerfulness," so it is best understood through that base word. "Cheerfulness" comes from Middle English "cherefulnes," which was formed by joining "cheerful" to the suffix "-ness," a common English device for turning an adjective into a noun describing a quality. The base "cheerful" is built from "cheer" plus the adjectival suffix "-ful," meaning full of, so the root idea is a state full of cheer. The plural form is used when people speak of several separate instances of that quality, such as distinct bursts of good spirits, rather than the quality in general. Because "cheerfulness" is a quality, it is rarely counted, which explains why the plural is uncommon.

Synonyms: happiness, joyfulness

Antonyms: sadness, melancholy