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 were playing and laughing, creating a cheerful atmosphere. [cheerful: noun]
merry
Example
They sang merry songs around the campfire. [merry: adjective]
Example
Let's have a merry Christmas celebration with family and friends. [merry: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cheerful is more commonly used than merry in everyday language. Cheerful can be used in various contexts to describe a person's demeanor or mood, while merry is more commonly used in the context of festive occasions and celebrations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheerful and merry?
Both cheerful and merry can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cheerful is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations, making it slightly more formal than merry.
