Comparative form of happy; more joyful, content, or pleased than before or than someone else. Experiencing greater satisfaction or well-being.
Middle English 'happy' from 'hap' (chance, fortune) + '-y' suffix, originally meaning 'lucky' or 'favored by fortune'. The modern sense of joy and contentment developed by the 14th century. The comparative form follows standard English patterns.
The word 'happy' originally meant 'lucky' - happiness was something that happened to you by chance, not a choice or internal state. This linguistic evolution reflects changing philosophical views about whether we control our own happiness or are subject to fortune's whims.
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