merry
merry
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "merry" is /ˈmɛri/.
Mer-:
/m/ as in "man"
/ɛ/ as in "bed"
/r/ as in "red"
-ry:
/i/ as in "happy"
Word Form Variations
The word "merry" primarily functions as an adjective. Here are its common variations:
Adjective: merry (positive degree), merrier (comparative degree), merriest (superlative degree)
Adverb: merrily
Noun: merriment (refers to the state of being merry)
There isn't a direct singular/plural form for "merry" itself, as it's not a noun referring to a countable object. "Merriment" is an uncountable noun.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Characterized by cheerfulness, high spirits, and a lighthearted disposition, often accompanied by laughter or celebration.
Synonyms: jovial, gleeful, blithe, festive, joyful, buoyant
Antonyms: gloomy, somber, melancholic, morose, dour
Definition 2: (Of a place, event, or occasion) Full of joyful activity, celebration, or enjoyable revelry.
Synonyms: festive, lively, convivial, boisterous, festive
Antonyms: dull, quiet, subdued, solemn
Definition 3: (Slightly archaic or informal) Slightly intoxicated or tipsy in a cheerful and convivial way.
Synonyms: jovial, tipsy, mellow, convivial
Antonyms: sober, serious, grave
Examples of Use
Books: "The hobbits were in a particularly merry mood, singing loudly as they walked, for the weather was fair and their journey almost done." (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings)
Newspapers: "Despite the economic downturn, the town's annual holiday parade was a merry affair, drawing large crowds and featuring lively performances." (The Daily Chronicle)
Online Publications: "How to Host a Truly Merry Christmas Gathering Without Breaking the Bank." (Food & Wine Online)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): In the classic animated film, the character of Santa Claus is often depicted with a "ho ho ho, merry Christmas!" catchphrase. (The Santa Clause)
Entertainment Platforms (Music): Many popular holiday songs feature the word, such as "We Wish You a Merry Christmas." (Traditional Carol, various artists)
General Public Discourse: During the holiday season, it's common to hear people exchange greetings like "Merry Christmas!" or "Merry and bright!" when referring to decorations. (Observed annually)
10 Quotes Using Merry
"A merry heart goes all the way." (William Shakespeare, The Winter's Tale)
"Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." (Biblical proverb, Isaiah 22:13)
"God rest ye merry, gentlemen, Let nothing you dismay." (Traditional English Christmas carol)
"And a merry Christmas to all, my dears." (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)
"A merry Christmas, Uncle! God save you!" (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)
"Oh, a merry life and a short one!" (Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island)
"Let us be merry, if not wise." (William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night)
"A merry companion is a wagon in the way." (William Shakespeare, King Lear)
"The more the merry." (Proverb)
"Here's to a long life and a merry one." (Traditional toast)
Etymology
The word "merry" has a pretty old and interesting history! It comes from the Old English word "myrige" (pronounced something like "mur-yuh"), which meant "pleasing, agreeable, pleasant, sweet," or something that brings enjoyment and gladness. This was used to describe all sorts of things like grass, trees, music, and songs.
Interestingly, "myrige" itself likely came from a much older ancestor word in Proto-Germanic (murgijaz) that might have originally meant "short-lasting." How did we get from "short-lasting" to "joyful"? The idea is that something so pleasant or delightful makes time fly by, making it seem "short." Think of how time seems to vanish when you're having fun!
So, the first known use of "merry" (or its Old English equivalent) was before the year 1150, carrying that sense of being pleasant or delightful. Over time, especially in Middle English, its meaning expanded to include things like "pleasant-sounding," "fine" (for weather), or even "handsome." It wasn't until later, around the 14th century, that "merry" really settled into its primary modern meaning of being cheerful, jovial, or full of high spirits, especially when referring to people.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Merry
Merry-go-round: A revolving amusement ride, or a situation that involves a continuous, often pointless, cycle of activity.
Make merry: To celebrate and enjoy oneself in a lively, often noisy, way.
Merry as a grig: Extremely cheerful and lively (an older, less common idiom).
Merry Christmas/Merry Little Christmas: A traditional greeting during the Christmas holiday season.
The more the merrier: An expression indicating that a situation or event will be more enjoyable with more people participating.
Merry hell: Intense trouble, chaos, or a difficult situation (often used in phrases like "raise merry hell").
To lead someone a merry dance: To cause someone a lot of trouble or to make them follow a confusing and difficult path.
Merry month of May: A traditional poetic reference to May as a pleasant and joyful month.
Merry-andrew: (Archaic) A clown or buffoon, especially one who performs in public.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of merry from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
