A French word meaning 'joy'; most commonly used in the phrase 'joie de vivre,' meaning the joy of living and appreciation for life's pleasures.
From Old French joie, from Latin gaudium meaning 'gladness' or 'joy.' The word traveled through Romance languages from Latin. It remained specifically French in Modern English usage, typically appearing in the set phrase 'joie de vivre.'
English borrowed 'joie de vivre' as a complete phrase because English lacks a single word capturing that philosophical approach to life—the idea that joy isn't frivolous but a legitimate way of engaging with existence. It reveals cultural values: the French have a word for it, we borrowed it, showing we admire that attitude but didn't develop our own term.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.