Definition for GLAD

GLAD, a. [Sax. glæd or glad; Sw. glad; Dan. glad; perhaps L. lætus, without a prefix. See Class Ld, No. 2, Ar.]

  1. Pleased; affected with pleasure or moderate joy; moderately happy. A wise son maketh a glad father. Prov. x. It is usually followed by of. I am glad of an opportunity to oblige my friend. It is sometimes followed by at. He that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. Prov. xvii. It is sometimes followed by with. The Trojan, glad with sight of hostile blood. Dryden. With, after glad, is unusual, and in this passage at would have been preferable.
  2. Cheerful; joyous. They blessed the king, and went to their tents, joyful and glad of heart. 1 Kings viii.
  3. Cheerful; wearing the appearance of joy; as, a glad countenance.
  4. Wearing a gay appearance; showy; bright. The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them. Is. xxxv. Glad evening and glad morn crown'd the fourth day. Milton.
  5. Pleasing; exhilarating. Her conversation More glad to me than to a miser money is. Sidney.
  6. Expressing gladness or joy; exciting joy. Hark! a glad voice the lonely desert cheers. Pope.

Return to page 37 of the letter “G”.