rejoice - Master This Word

rejoice Word Meanings

• to feel great joy
• to express joy
• to be glad about something

rejoice Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• We rejoice in our good news.
• The children rejoice in the sunshine.
• They rejoice when they see their friends.
• We all rejoice at the holiday.
• She will rejoice at her birthday party.

rejoice Word Etymology

re- = again + joice = rejoice (Old French 'joïr', from Latin 'gaudere' meaning 'to be glad'). Imagine someone jumping for joy, celebrating again and again, recapturing moments of sheer happiness.

Real Context

Rejoice is a formal, vivid verb meaning to feel and express great joy about something. In everyday English, you might say you 'rejoice in' a success, or 'rejoice at' good news, though 'rejoice over' is also possible. It is stronger than 'be happy' or 'delight' and is often found in writing, speeches, religious or ceremonial contexts, or when marking a significant achievement. Learners often confuse with 'joy' as a noun, or with 'rejoiced' as a past tense form without adjusting tense to context. Prepositions matter: you typically 'rejoice in' a reason, 'rejoice at' a result, or 'rejoice over' an outcome.

Usage Reminders

• Remember: choose the right preposition (in/at/over). Use it for formal or literary tone. It can take a direct object or be followed by a clause. Prefer present tense for general statements; use past tense for past events. Do not confuse with 'be glad' in casual speech. Practice with synonyms like 'delight' or 'revel'. Consider register: avoid in casual chat. Listen for natural collocations in speeches and religious texts. Create short, personal sentences to reinforce feeling. Contrast with negative or neutral reactions to strengthen understanding.

Common Misconceptions

• Confusing rejoice with simply being happy; it carries stronger, more formal emotion.
• Thinking 'rejoice about' is correct; the common prepositions are in/at/over, not about.
• Assuming it can be used 1:1 as a noun ('a rejoice' is rare; use 'rejoicing' or 'joy').
• Using it in casual, everyday speech sounds pretentious or archaic.
• Mistaking 'rejoice' as something you do alone; more natural with 'in' or 'at' a reason or event.

Thinking Differences

English tends to separate formal, literary rejoice from casual happiness; prepositions are key (in/at/over) and tone matters in/register.

Learning Tips

• memorize 'in/at/over' with examples
• note the formal tone and avoid casual misuse
• pair with a reason or event (rejoice in/at/over a result)
• contrast with 'be glad' and 'delight' in context
• practice past tense: rejoiced vs. rejoice
• read formal passages to hear natural usage

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

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