delight - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
delight Word Meanings
- a feeling of great pleasure
- something that gives great pleasure
- to please someone greatly
delight Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
delight Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈlaɪt/
US
/dɪˈlaɪt/
delight Word Etymology
delight = de- (from, down) + light (from Old English 'leoht', meaning joy). Originated from Latin through Old French. Imagine a bright light illuminating your heart, bringing a warm smile of joy.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I lean in, letting my shoulders loosen as I lift a cup. Steam rises and the scent moves through the room, a small shift in mood settling in. I savor the first sip, and the quiet thrill grows; it feels like a warm glow that wants to stay. The word delight settles into my mind as a natural, easy emotion that comes when something fits just right.
Real Context
Delight is a warm, strong feeling of pleasure or satisfaction, and it can describe both an inner emotion and the things that trigger it. As a noun, it can refer to an intense sense of joy, a source of happiness, or something that gives great pleasure. As a verb, to delight someone means to give them great pleasure or to please them greatly. In English we also have the adjective delightful, describing something charming or highly pleasant. Learners often confuse delight with pleased or happy, or mix the noun and verb forms with adjectives like delightful. Remember that delight emphasizes intensity and can take a subject of the experience, not just the person feeling it.
Usage Reminders
- Delight is usually not used for everyday mild happiness
- Delight can refer to both an emotion and a thing that causes pleasure
- Remember to pair the noun or verb with appropriate objects: take delight in, delight someone
- Delighted and delightful are different forms; use each in its correct position
- Prefer delight for intensity; use pleased or happy for milder feelings
Common Misconceptions
- Delight is a direct synonym of pleased or happy
- Delight is always an adjective
- Delight only refers to internal feelings
- Delight cannot describe things that cause pleasure
- Delight and delightful are interchangeable
Thinking Differences
Delight in English often emphasizes intense pleasure tied to both feelings and sources. Other languages may prefer a broader word for joy or rely on different collocations, so learners should pay attention to phrases like take delight in or delight someone to avoid overgeneralizing to mild happiness.
Learning Tips
- Practice both noun and verb forms with common collocations
- Learn the contrast between delight and delightful
- Use take delight in to show active enjoyment
- Pair with sources of pleasure for stronger emphasis
- Avoid overusing delight in informal speech
- Remember delightful is the adjective form
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the best definition of the word delight?
A.A formal complaint filed in court
B.A feeling of great pleasure or satisfaction
C.A small tool used for measuring liquids
D.An unpleasant or painful experience
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'delight' correctly?
A.He used delight to tighten the screws
B.The mechanic will delight the engine to check its parts
C.She felt delight when she opened the acceptance letter
D.After the accident, the family felt delight over their loss
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar in meaning to 'delight'?
A.anger
B.joy
C.boredom
D.confusion
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is most nearly the opposite of 'delight'?
A.excitement
B.misery
C.satisfaction
D.ecstasy
Step 5: Mastery
Which real-life prompt would most naturally invite using the word 'delight' when you answer aloud?
A.Explain a routine chore you do without emotion
B.Tell me about a time you felt deeply hurt or betrayed
C.Can you describe a small surprise that made you extremely happy
D.Describe a moment when you were indifferent to the outcome
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