Merriment
/ˈmɛr.ɪ.mənt/noun
A state of being merry or cheerful; fun and enjoyment.
Did you know?The concept of merriment was historically linked to celebrations honoring various deities, often seen as a form of divine favor and protection.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
merriment
“A state of joyfulness or amusement, often in festive contexts.”
Middle English
Middle English
meruement
“A joyful or merry quality, particularly in social gatherings.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mer-
“To rejoice, to be happy.”
Old English
Old English
mearcian
“To mark, related to the idea of making joyful distinctions.”
14th Century
Middle English
merrien
“To make merry, to celebrate with joy.”