Positive Emotions: English Vocabulary List

a feeling of great joy, triumph, or satisfaction

"There was great jubilation when the peace treaty was finally signed."

"The streets were filled with jubilation after the team won the championship."

a state of complete happiness, joy, and contentment

"The couple lived in marital bliss."

"They spent their honeymoon in bliss on a beautiful tropical island."

great happiness or joy, often accompanied by laughter or a sense of amusement

"The children shouted with glee."

"The children shouted with glee when the teacher announced that there would be no homework that weekend."

a feeling of reverence, respect, and wonder inspired by something grand, powerful, or extraordinary

"The children stared in awe at the giant waterfall."

"Awe is a profound emotion of reverential wonder and respect"

a feeling of joyful pride or high spirits

"She felt a surge of elation when she passed her final exam."

"His elation was obvious when he received the news of his promotion."

a sudden and intense excitement, enthusiasm, or interest about something

"The news caused furor."

"The controversial decision caused a huge public furor across the whole country."

a sudden feeling of pleasure and excitement

"The roller coaster gave me an incredible thrill."

"The thrill of riding a roller coaster comes from the sudden drops and fast turns during the ride."

persuasive in a way that captures attention or convinces effectively

"His story is compelling."

"The compelling argument made by the defense attorney convinced the jury that the defendant was innocent and they returned a verdict of not guilty."

causing feelings of excitement or intense enthusiasm

"The roller coaster ride was exhilarating."

"The exhilarating roller coaster ride made my heart pound and my stomach drop with every twist and turn."

referring to qualities or behaviors that make a person likable or charming to others

"Her habit is endearing."

"The little boy's endearing habit of saying please and thank you made everyone who met him smile with delight."

inspiring a feeling of wonder or amazement

"The view is wondrous."

"The child looked at the wondrous display of stars through the telescope and she could not believe how beautiful and vast the universe truly was."

providing a calming or comforting sensation that helps to relieve or lessen pain or discomfort

"The music is soothing."

"The soothing sound of the ocean waves helped her relax after a long and stressful week at work."

having a positive and cheerful attitude

"The music is upbeat."

"The upbeat music made everyone want to dance and the party continued until the early hours of the morning without anyone feeling tired."

bringing back fond memories of the past, often with a sense of longing or affection

"I feel nostalgic."

"The nostalgic smell of fresh bread reminded her of her grandmother's kitchen and she felt a wave of happy memories."

making someone feel happier, more hopeful, or more positive

"The music is uplifting."

"The choir sang an uplifting song that brought hope to everyone in the hospital waiting room and made them forget their worries for a moment."

experiencing extreme happiness or great delight

"They are overjoyed."

"The grandparents were overjoyed when their daughter gave birth to healthy twin babies and they rushed to the hospital to hold their new grandchildren."

filled with intense emotion, fervor, or enthusiasm

"He gave an impassioned speech."

"The impassioned speech about climate change moved many people in the audience to tears and they gave the speaker a standing ovation."

demonstrating an excessive and unconditional love or affection for someone, often to the point of being overly attentive

"The grandmother is doting."

"The doting grandmother covered her grandson with kisses and she baked his favorite cookies every time he came to visit."

coming from the imagination rather than facts

"The story is fanciful."

"The fanciful story about a dragon who loved to knit was too silly for adults but the children found it delightful."

filled with great pleasure or joy

"I am delighted."

"She was delighted to receive a surprise birthday party from her coworkers and she could not stop smiling for the rest of the day at work."

to capture someone's interest or curiosity

"Space exploration fascinates young children."

"The documentary about space exploration fascinated the young boy who dreamed of becoming an astronaut."

to give someone courage or confidence, inspiring them to take bold actions or face challenges with determination

"Praise emboldened him to try again."

"The early success emboldened the young entrepreneur to take even bigger risks with his growing business."

to enjoy or take pleasure in something greatly

"She relishes the challenge ahead."

"She relishes the challenge of solving difficult puzzles because it gives her a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction."

to feel or show great joy, delight, or happiness

"Everyone rejoiced at the good news."

"The whole family gathered to rejoice at the good news of their daughter's acceptance into medical school."

to clearly show a feeling or quality through how one acts

"He exudes happiness."

"The experienced leader exuded a calm authority that reassured his team during the challenging crisis."

to attract someone completely, making them deeply interested

"The music entranced the entire audience."

"The beautiful music entranced the entire audience and they sat completely still and silent throughout the entire performance."

to captivate someone completely

"The story enthralled the young listeners."

"The storyteller's exciting tales enthralled the young children who listened with wide eyes and open mouths."

to deeply understand and share the feelings or experiences of someone else

"She empathizes with her patients deeply."

"The counselor was able to empathize with the grieving woman because she had also experienced a similar loss herself."

to awaken feelings and sentiments

"It kindled hope."

"The passionate speech delivered by the activist managed to kindle a sense of urgency and a desire for change in the crowd."

a feeling of admiration or surprise caused by something that is very unusual and exciting

"The child looked at the stars in wonder."

"The young boy gazed at the night sky with wonder as he saw a shooting star for the first time."

a feeling we get when somebody or something is funny and exciting

"The children watched the silly clown with wide-eyed amusement and laughter."

"Amusement is the pleasant feeling of being entertained or finding something funny"

persuasive in a way that captures attention or convinces effectively

"The evidence is compelling."

"The evidence is compelling and leaves no doubt that he committed the crime."

inspiring a feeling of wonder or amazement

"The view is wondrous."

"The vastness of the starry night sky inspired a feeling of wonder and amazement, truly a wondrous spectacle."

filled with joy, often as a result of experiencing something magical or captivating

"I am enchanted by this place."

"The enchanted forest was full of magical creatures like fairies unicorns and talking animals that lived in harmony together peacefully."

to decrease the amount of pain, stress, etc.

"The drug will relieve your symptoms."

"Taking a hot bath can help relieve muscle tension and reduce stress after a long day at work."

to call forth or elicit emotions, feelings, or responses, often in a powerful or vivid manner

"The song can evoke sadness."

"The poignant melody of the violin was able to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and longing."

in a way that is extremely enjoyable to the senses, especially taste

"The food tasted deliciously."

"The cake smells deliciously and I cannot wait to taste it because it looks so rich and chocolatey."