Glee
/ɡliː/noun
A high-spirited feeling of joy and delight.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'glee' was associated with songs sung in celebration, often during pagan festivals, linking joy directly to ritualistic practices.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*glaizō
“to shine, be bright”
Old English
OE
glēo
“music, joy, mirth”
Old Norse
ON
gleði
“joy, merriment”
Middle English
ME
glee
“a song of joy, a state of happiness”
Modern English
English
glee
“a state of joy or cheerfulness”