What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cheerful
Example
She always has a cheerful smile on her face. [cheerful: adjective]
Example
The children played in the cheerful park, enjoying the colorful surroundings. [cheerful: adjective]
happy
Example
I am so happy to see you! [happy: adjective]
Example
Eating ice cream makes me happy. [happy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Happy is more commonly used than cheerful in everyday language. Happy is a versatile word that can be used in a wide range of contexts, while cheerful is less common and often used to describe a person's personality or a vibrant atmosphere.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheerful and happy?
Both cheerful and happy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cheerful may have a slightly more informal tone, while happy is more neutral and can be used in various formality levels.