Jolly

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdÊ’É’.li/
• Rhymes: -É’li

Origin

From Middle English joli, jolif ("merry, cheerful"), from Old French joli, jolif ("")

Etymology

It is uncertain whether the Old French word is from Old Norse jól ("a midwinter feast")

Etymology

(more at yule), in which case, equivalent to yule + -ive; or ultimately from Latin gaudere (more at joy). For the loss of final -f in English compare tardy, hasty, hussy, etc.

Full definition of jolly

Adjective

1. Full of high and merry spirits; jovial.

Noun

1. (British) a pleasure trip or excursion

Adverb

1. (British, dated) very, extremely

Derived terms

• jolly well

Verb

1. (transitive) To amuse or divert.

Derived terms

• jolly someone along