What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cheery
Example
She always has a cheery smile on her face. [cheery: adjective]
Example
The party was held in a cheery garden, with colorful decorations and happy music. [cheery: adjective]
happy
Example
I am so happy to see you! [happy: adjective]
Example
The children were jumping with joy, their faces beaming with happiness. [happiness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Happy is more commonly used than cheery in everyday language. Happy is a widely recognized term that covers a broad range of positive emotions, while cheery is less common and may be used in specific contexts or to emphasize a particularly lively and energetic form of happiness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheery and happy?
While cheery is typically associated with a more casual and informal tone, happy is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.