Contentment & Happiness: English Vocabulary List

used as a reminder that true happiness and contentment come from within, and that a person who is satisfied with what they have will always feel fulfilled and satisfied

"She had little money but was always cheerful — a contented mind is a perpetual feast."

"Despite the modest surroundings, the team was deeply satisfied with their work — a contented mind is a perpetual feast."

used to suggest that modest and unpretentious people tend to have more realistic expectations and are less likely to be disappointed or frustrated by unattainable goals or desires

"He never asked for much — humble hearts often have humble desires."

"She lived simply and wanted little — humble hearts tend to have humble desires."

used to imply that it is better to hold onto something you already have for sure, rather than risking it for the possibility of getting more in the future

"Keep the job you have — a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

"She was tempted by the risky new offer but decided a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."

used to emphasize that true happiness and contentment come from within, and that material wealth is not a guarantee of happiness or fulfillment

"She was poor but always happy — a happy heart is better than a full purse."

"He gave up the high salary for a job he loved, believing a happy heart is better than a full purse."

used to emphasize that having a peaceful and contented life is more important than having wealth or material possessions that come at the cost of constant conflict or stress

"A small quiet life is better than a stressful one — better an egg in peace than an ox in war."

"She turned down the prestigious but chaotic role, reminding herself that better an egg in peace than an ox in war."

used to emphasize the importance of valuing what one has in the present moment instead of waiting for something better in the future, which may not materialize

"Take the small opportunity now — better an egg today than a hen tomorrow."

"He accepted the modest early offer rather than waiting indefinitely — better an egg today than a hen tomorrow."

used as a reminder to be grateful for what one has and to appreciate the value of even small possessions or accomplishments

"Something is better than nothing — better half an egg than an empty shell."

"The partial solution was not ideal, but the team agreed that better half an egg than an empty shell."

used to imply that one should appreciate and value the small things in life, as even small pleasures or accomplishments can bring joy and satisfaction

"Simple pleasures have real value — little fish are sweet."

"The small daily wins kept the team motivated — little fish are sweet, as the manager often said."

used to suggest that when one's first choice or preferred option is not available, one should be flexible and willing to accept something else that may be less desirable but still of value

"When the best option is gone, take what is left — when all fruit fails, welcome haws."

"With the top candidates unavailable, they hired the next best option — when all fruit fails, welcome haws."

used to emphasize that pursuing a purposeful and fulfilling life is more valuable than simply living a long time

"Make the most of your time — if you cannot live longer, live deeper."

"She spent her retirement travelling and learning new skills — if you cannot live longer, live deeper."

used to imply that the experience of working towards a goal can be fulfilling in itself, and that the journey is often more valuable than the destination

"The journey matters as much as the result — it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive."

"She found more joy in building the company than in its eventual sale — it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive."

used to emphasize that personal happiness and contentment are more important than power or status, as material possessions do not necessarily lead to happiness

"Fame and power mean nothing without happiness — being happy is better than being king."

"He left a senior position for a simpler life, convinced that being happy is better than being king."

used to imply that it is better to achieve a peaceful resolution, even if it means making some compromises, rather than achieving a victory that comes at a high cost

"A calm agreement is better than a costly victory — better a lean peace than a fat victory."

"They settled the dispute quietly rather than going to court — better a lean peace than a fat victory."

used to imply that personal happiness and fulfillment are more important than knowledge or academic achievement

"Happiness is worth more than cleverness — it is better to be happy than wise."

"She chose a fulfilling but less prestigious path, believing it is better to be happy than wise."