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's laughter filled the room, creating a cheerful atmosphere. [cheerful: adjective]
joyful
Example
Winning the championship brought them joyful tears. [joyful: adjective]
Example
The family gathered together for a joyful celebration. [joyful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cheerful is more commonly used than joyful in everyday language. Cheerful is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe a positive mood or demeanor. On the other hand, joyful is less common and is typically used to describe intense moments of happiness and delight.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheerful and joyful?
Both cheerful and joyful can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cheerful is generally associated with a more casual and informal tone, while joyful carries a slightly more formal connotation due to its deeper and more profound expression of happiness.