hilarity Meaning, Definition & Usage

L. hilaritas: cf. F. hilarité. See Hilarious.

Boisterous mirth; merriment; jollity. Goldsmith. ✍ Hilarity differs from joy: the latter, excited by good news or prosperity, is an affection of the mind; the former, produced by social pleasure, drinking, etc., which rouse the animal spirits, is more demonstrative. Syn. -- Glee; cheerfulness; mirth; merriment; gayety; joyousness; exhilaration; joviality; jollity.