What does rejoicement mean?
Rejoicement is a formal noun meaning the expression of intense happiness or celebration, especially following good news, a successful achievement, or an important shared event. It can refer either to the joy people feel or to the public expressions through which that joy is communicated. The word is often associated with ceremonies, victories, announcements, and communal occasions, giving it a more elevated and literary tone than the everyday word rejoicing. In modern usage, “with rejoicement” and “a moment of rejoicement” are natural constructions, while “cause rejoicement” emphasizes the event or news that prompts a celebration. Although not extremely common, rejoicement is useful for giving precise expression to a formal or heartfelt celebration. Its derivation from rejoice reflects its close connection with joy, gladness, and the active expression of happiness.
nounThe expression of joy or celebration, especially in response to a happy or successful event. It can also refer to the act or state of rejoicing.
- A feeling or expression of great happiness and celebration.
- The act of rejoicing or celebrating.
"The announcement was met with widespread rejoicement throughout the community."
"There was rejoicement when the team secured its place in the final."
"Her rejoicement at the news was unmistakable."
Plural forms are possible but less common than the singular, since rejoicement is often used as an uncountable noun.
"The announcements were met with rejoicements across the city."
Rejoicement turns a single happy moment into a celebration remembered in words.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rejoicement come from?
Rejoicement was formed in English by adding the suffix “-ment” to rejoice, producing a noun meaning the state or expression of rejoicing. Rejoice itself comes through Old French from Latin gaudere, “to rejoice,” a word also associated with joy and gladness. Related English forms include joy, joyful, and joyous, all sharing the same underlying idea and historical root.
Related word forms
How rejoicement is actually used
Rejoicement is formal and literary, and is less common in everyday speech than rejoicing. It often conveys a public or communal celebration as well as personal happiness.
Easily confused with rejoicement
Rejoicement names the joy or celebration itself, while rejoicing more often describes the outward activity or expressions of celebration.