Happiness

Happiness Hap"pi*ness, n. [From {Happy}.] 1. Good luck; good fortune; prosperity. [1913 Webster]

All happiness bechance to thee in Milan! --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. An agreeable feeling or condition of the soul arising from good fortune or propitious happening of any kind; the possession of those circumstances or that state of being which is attended with enjoyment; the state of being happy; contentment; joyful satisfaction; felicity; blessedness. [1913 Webster]

3. Fortuitous elegance; unstudied grace; -- used especially of language. [1913 Webster]

Some beauties yet no precepts can declare, For there's a happiness, as well as care. --Pope.

Syn: {Happiness}, {Felicity}, {Blessedness}, {Bliss}.

Usage: Happiness is generic, and is applied to almost every kind of enjoyment except that of the animal appetites; felicity is a more formal word, and is used more sparingly in the same general sense, but with elevated associations; blessedness is applied to the most refined enjoyment arising from the purest social, benevolent, and religious affections; bliss denotes still more exalted delight, and is applied more appropriately to the joy anticipated in heaven. [1913 Webster]

O happiness! our being's end and aim! --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Others in virtue place felicity, But virtue joined with riches and long life; In corporal pleasures he, and careless ease. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

His overthrow heaped happiness upon him; For then, and not till then, he felt himself, And found the blessedness of being little. --Shak. [1913 Webster]