See corresponding entry in Unabridged unhappy, mournful. See corresponding entry in Unabridged brilliant. It suggests, even more than the latter, convivial animated enjoyment. Merry is often interchangeable with gay: a merry disposition a merry party Joyful suggests gladness, happiness, rejoicing: joyful over the good news. Jolly indicates a good-humored, natural, expansive gaiety of mood or disposition: a jolly crowd at a party.
Gay suggests a lightness of heart or liveliness of mood that is openly manifested: when hearts were young and gay. Gay, jolly, joyful, merry describe a happy or light-hearted mood. See corresponding entry in Unabridged gleeful, jovial, glad, joyous, happy, cheerful, sprightly, blithe, airy, light-hearted vivacious, frolicsome, sportive, hilarious.
