• Delight

    Pronunciation

    • IPA: /dəˈlaɪt/, /dɪˈlaɪt/
    • Rhymes: -aɪt

    Origin

    An unetymological spelling, in imitation of words like light, might, etc.; the analogical modern spelling would be delite; from Middle English deliten, from Old French deleiter, deliter, from Latin delectare ("to delight, please"), frequentative of delicere ("to allure"); see delicate.

    Full definition of delight

    Noun

    delight

    (plural delights)
    1. Joy; pleasure.
      • Bible, Proverbs xviii. 2A fool hath no delight in understanding.
      • ShakespeareSounds and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not.
      • 2013-06-08, The new masters and commanders, From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away.
    2. Something that gives great joy or pleasure.
      • MiltonHeaven's last, best gift, my ever new delight.

    Derived terms

    Verb

    1. To give delight to; to affect with great pleasure; to please highly.
      • TennysonDelight our souls with talk of knightly deeds.
    2. A beautiful landscape delights the eye.

    Derived terms

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