delighted - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
delighted Word Meanings
- in a very happy manner
- with great pleasure
- expressing delight
delighted Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
delighted Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈlaɪtɪd/
US
/dɪˈlaɪtɪd/
delighted Word Etymology
delightedly is formed from the root 'delight' (from Latin 'delectare' meaning 'to please') plus the adverbial suffix '-ly'. It passed through Old French into English. Picture a child at a birthday party, eyes sparkling, joyfully shouting for cake—that's delight!
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 InputReal Context
Delighted is a strong, formal way to express happiness, often used as an adjective (delighted) or, less commonly, as the adverbial form delightedly. In American and British usage, you usually say I was delighted to see you or we were delighted with the news, rather than simply saying happy; it carries more warmth and politeness. Learners should note that delightedly exists but is rare in everyday speech; many native speakers choose delighted to hear or delighted to meet instead of delightedly. Typical mistakes include treating delighted as a verb or using it after a noun instead of to-infinitive clauses. Remember punctuation and tone matter: delighted carries sincere, upbeat emotion.
Usage Reminders
- Use delighted to show strong happiness about a situation or event.
- Prefer delighted to hear/meet when followed by an infinitive.
- Delightedly exists but is rare in speech.
- Do not treat delighted as a verb.
- Choose delighted with to/with for natural tone, not delightedly in casual speech.
- Synonyms include thrilled, pleased, and overjoyed.
Common Misconceptions
- Delighted is not the same as delightedly; the former is common, the latter rare.
- Delighted is usually an adjective, not a verb, so it doesn't take typical verb forms.
- Do not say 'delighted the audience'—use delighted with the audience or delighted to hear.
- Avoid overusing delighted in casual speech; reserve for warmth and politeness.
- Confuse delighted with delightful (which describes things, not feelings).
Thinking Differences
Delighted signals a warm, formal happiness; English tends to reserve intense praise for specific news and events, and checks tone with context. Learners often overstate or confuse with 'delightful' or default to 'very happy' in formal settings.
Learning Tips
- Learn the core sense: strong happiness about a specific event.
- Pair with to + verb: delighted to see/hear/meet.
- Remember delightedly is rare; prefer natural phrases.
- Avoid using delighted as a verb; use it with nouns via 'delighted with' or 'delighted to'.
- Practice formal and informal tones to match context.
- Use synonyms like thrilled or pleased in varying contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'delighted'?
A.Surprised
B.Happy
C.Sad
D.Angry
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'delighted' correctly?
A.She was delighted to receive the award.
B.He was very upset with the good news.
C.They were angry at the delicious meal.
D.I was sad at the unexpected gift.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'delighted'?
A.Unhappy
B.Disappointed
C.Angry
D.Excited
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite word for 'delighted'?
A.Pleased
B.Joyful
C.Content
D.Miserable
Step 5: Mastery
When was a time you felt delighted?
A.When receiving a gift
B.When failing a test
C.When arguing with a friend
D.When losing a competition
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