joie de vivre
Say it: zhwah duh VEE-vruh /ˌʒwɑː də ˈviːvrə/ · noun phrase
What “joie de vivre” means
A bright, joyful enjoyment of being alive.
More precisely: A cheerful, exuberant enjoyment of life.
Example: “Even at ninety, my gran's joie de vivre puts us all to shame.”
When to use it
When admiring someone's lively enjoyment of ordinary life, usually warmly, with a slightly literary or stylish tone.
Memory trick
French for joy of living: picture someone finding delight in an ordinary day.
Similar words
zest for life, exuberance, gusto
Where it comes from
French, 'joy of living'.
Quick check
Your neighbour dances while cooking, laughs readily and greets each ordinary day with delight. She radiates…
joie de vivre or ambition?
Show the answer
joie de vivre
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