Are you wondering whether 'happyness' or 'happiness' is the correct spelling? If so, I can help!
In this guide, you will learn the correct spelling. I will also give you the definition and example sentences to help you remember.
If you need a quick answer, I have that, too.
Here it is:
- 'Happyness' is a misspelling.
- 'Happiness' is the only correct spelling of the noun for the feeling of joy or contentment.
The short answer above tells you the correct spelling. However, there is more to learn. So, keep reading!
Why is 'Happiness' Correct?
'Happiness' is the correct spelling. Happy is an adjective. In English, when you add a suffix to the end of a word ending in y, you change the y to I.
For example:
- Wacky - Wackiness
- Hardy - Hardiness
- Glassy - Glassiness
- Manly - Manliness
- Baggy - Bagginess
- Ready - Readiness
- Savvy - Savviness
- Shaggy - Shagginess
- Quirky - Quirkiness
- Cranky - Crankiness
- Chatty - Chattiness
- Ugly - Ugliness
- Healthy - Healthiness
- Friendly - Friendliness
- Messy - Messiness
- Flabby - Flabbinesss
- Empty - Emptiness
When is 'Happyness' Correct?
Grammatically, 'happyness' is never correct. However, a 2006 movie titled The Pursuit of Happyness may have confused some people. In the title, the writer chose to use the word 'happyness' as a reference to an essay written in 1776 about equality.
Sometimes writers chose to use an alternate spelling of a word to draw attention to the phrase. If you are referencing a movie, book, or essay title, you always spell it the way that it appears.
Definition of 'Happiness': What Does 'Happiness' Mean?
'Happiness' is the noun form of happy, and according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it means:
- Fortunate or favored by luck
It can also mean:
- Well-adapted or fitting
- Expressing a happy feeling
- In a dazed or irresponsible state
- Irresponsible and impulsive
- An obsessively enthusiastic state
Synonyms of 'Happiness'
Knowing synonyms to frequently used words can help you know which words you can use interchangeably so that your writing is not repetitive.
So, here are some synonyms for 'happiness':
- Fortunate
- Lucky
- Convenient
- Thankful
- Grateful
- Favorable
- Promising
- Hopeful
- Excited
- Elated
- Smitten
- Content
- Relaxed
- Well
- Profitable
- Golden
- Great
- Joyous
- Gleeful
- Sunny
- Jolly
- Upbeat
- Thrilled
- Cherry
- Jovial
- Euphoric
- Merry
- Jolly
- Rosy
- Beaming
- Joyous
- Joyful
Antonyms of 'Happiness'
Antonyms are words that mean the opposite of a term.
Here are some antonyms of 'happiness':
- Sad
- Forlorn
- Unsatisfied
- Disappointed
- Gloomy
- Brokenhearted
- Depressed
- Glum
- Sorrowful
- Desolate
- Disheartened
- Anguished
- Despondent
- Woeful
- Grim
- Cloudy
- Mournful
- Lachrymose
Terms and Phrases Containing Happiness
- You can't buy happiness
- Happiness is an inside job
- The pursuit of happiness
How Do You Use 'Happiness?'
As I mentioned above, 'happiness' is the noun form of the adjective happy. But how do you know when to use the term?
- Use 'happiness' when you are describing a state of being happy.
For example, I might say something like:
I can hardly contain my happiness. I just received a job offer to work for an organization I have wanted to work for, for a long time!
- Use 'happiness' when describing an expression:
For example, you could say:
After meeting her knight in shining armor, you could see the happiness on her face.
Pronunciation: How to Pronounce 'Happiness'
Knowing how to use words is only half of the battle. To speak and write with confidence, you also need to know how to pronounce words.
So, here is a pronunciation guide:
- Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'happiness correctly':
ha-pee-ness
Sample Sentences Using 'Happyness' or 'Happiness'
Now that you know how to properly use and pronounce the term, take a look at these sample sentences using to ensure you know how to use the word in different ways.
Happyness
- Have you ever seen The Pursuit of Happyness?
- The Pursuit of Happyness is about a single father who is trying to provide a better life for his son.
- Will Smith plays the father in The Pursuit of Happyness, and his son Jaden Smith plays the son.
Happiness
- Have you ever heard that happiness is an inside job? That means we are each responsible for our own contentment.
- I feel intense happiness when I see the color blue.
- The happiness I feel right now is indescribable.
- I try to share happiness with everyone I meet through a smile or kind gesture.
- The happiness you receive from other people, money, and material possessions is fleeting. If you want to be truly happy, you have to work on yourself.
- The happiness your family felt for you at your wedding was clear.
- Beauty is only skin deep, but happiness and a good attitude shine through no matter what you look like on the outside.
- Ice cream is like happiness in a bowl. Maybe that is why people who are sad often binge on the tasty treat.
- Happiness ceases to exist when he is in the room. He is the bane of my existence.
Happyness/Happiness
- At first, The Pursuit of Happyness is depressing. However, by the end of the movie, you are left with a feeling of happiness.
- The Pursuit of Happiness is based on a true story. Can you imagine the happiness Chris Gardner felt when watching the movie about his life?
The Last Word on Whether 'Happyness' or 'Happiness' is Correct
When it comes to determining whether 'happyness' or 'happiness' is correct, you should know the answer.
But here is a quick recap: 'Happyness' is a misspelling.
- 'Happiness' is the correct way to spell the noun form of 'happy.'
- 'Happiness' is a state of contentment or well-being.
- When you add a suffix to the end of a word that ends in y, you drop the y and add i before adding the suffix to the end.
You should be an expert on how to spell 'happiness' and how to properly add a suffix to a root word ending in y. However, if you need a reminder, you can always come back to review this lesson.
Before you go, you should also read the other confusing word guides here. They will teach you important grammar rules, correct spellings, and definitions of some of the most confusing English words and phrases.
