Jovialness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A condition characterized by an exuberant and cheerful demeanor that reflects a joyful and light-hearted spirit
2. A trait associated with a warm and humorous nature, evoking a sense of happiness and delight in social settings
3. The quality of possessing a bright and hearty spirit that brings cheer to oneself and others

Etymology: "Jovialness" is simply "jovial" with the suffix "-ness" attached. "Jovial" entered English from French, and ultimately derives from the Latin "Jovialis," meaning "of Jupiter," reflecting the medieval belief that people born under the planet Jupiter were cheerful and good-natured. That astrological idea is the root of the word's sense of merry sociability. The suffix "-ness" is an old and productive English ending. It traces back to Old English "-nes," which turned adjectives into nouns naming a quality or state, so that "good" gave "goodness" and "kind" gave "kindness." Adding it to "jovial" produces a noun for the quality of being jovial, the cheerful warmth that makes someone pleasant company.

Synonyms: cheerfulness, mirthfulness, jolliness, happiness, gleefulness

Antonyms: sorrowfulness, gloominess, sadness