What does jollifying mean?
Jollifying means making people merry, cheerful, or lively. It refers to an action that changes the mood of a person or group, often through humour, playfulness, celebration, or unexpected entertainment. The word has an old-fashioned, affectionate quality and suggests a more conspicuous effect than simply causing mild happiness. It is especially associated with British usage and appears in informal, literary, or nostalgic contexts. Although the present participle 'jollifying' can function as an adjective, as in 'a jollifying song,' the underlying verb is 'jollify.' Its rarity gives it a slightly playful sound, making it especially suitable for humorous or celebratory writing rather than plain, neutral description.
verbTo make someone or something jolly, merry, or cheerful. As the present participle of jollify, it can also describe the act of enlivening or cheering someone.
- To make or cause someone to be jolly, merry, or cheerful.
"Her comic songs were jollifying the whole family."
"The unexpected visit from her old friends was jollifying the afternoon."
"He is renowned for jollifying even the dullest of gatherings."
Jollifying is a wonderfully old-fashioned way of saying that something is making everyone merry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jollifying come from?
The word belongs to the English family derived from 'jolly,' an adjective meaning merry or cheerful. 'Jolly' entered Middle English through Old French 'jolif' or 'jolif', ultimately associated with a word meaning a feast or merriment. The verb 'jollify' was formed by adding the suffix '-ify', and 'jollifying' follows the regular present-participle pattern. Related words include 'jollity' and the more literary 'jocose' and 'jocund'.
Related word forms
How jollifying is actually used
Informal and literary or chiefly British in usage. It is a relatively uncommon word, sounding warmer and more whimsical than the more general verbs 'cheer' or 'entertain'.