1.
[syn: happiness, felicity]
2. emotions experienced when in a state of well-being;
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Happiness \Hap"pi*ness\, n. [From Happy.]
1. Good luck; good fortune; prosperity.
[1913 Webster]
All happiness bechance to thee in Milan! --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. An agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from
good fortune or propitious happening of any kind; the
possession of those circumstances or that state of being
which is attended with enjoyment; the state of being
happy; contentment; joyful satisfaction; felicity;
blessedness.
[1913 Webster]
3. Fortuitous elegance; unstudied grace; -- used especially
of language.
[1913 Webster]
Some beauties yet no precepts can declare,
For there's a happiness, as well as care. --Pope.
Syn: Happiness, Felicity, Blessedness, Bliss.
Usage: Happiness is generic, and is applied to almost every
kind of enjoyment except that of the animal appetites;
felicity is a more formal word, and is used more
sparingly in the same general sense, but with elevated
associations; blessedness is applied to the most
refined enjoyment arising from the purest social,
benevolent, and religious affections; bliss denotes
still more exalted delight, and is applied more
appropriately to the joy anticipated in heaven.
[1913 Webster]
O happiness! our being's end and aim! --Pope.
[1913 Webster]
Others in virtue place felicity,
But virtue joined with riches and long life;
In corporal pleasures he, and careless ease.
--Milton.
[1913 Webster]
His overthrow heaped happiness upon him;
For then, and not till then, he felt himself,
And found the blessedness of being little.
--Shak.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
happiness
n 1: state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from
contentment to intense joy [syn: happiness, felicity]
[ant: unhappiness]
2: emotions experienced when in a state of well-being [ant:
sadness, unhappiness]
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):
HAPPINESS, n. An agreeable sensation arising from contemplating the
misery of another.