A feeling of amusement and happiness, especially when expressed through laughter. Joy or merriment characterized by cheerful celebration.
From Old English 'myrgth' meaning joy or pleasure, related to 'myrge' meaning pleasant or agreeable. Cognate with Old High German 'murga' meaning short-lived joy, reflecting the Germanic roots of festive celebration.
Mirth is one of those wonderful words that sounds like what it describes - there's something musical and bubbly about its pronunciation that mirrors the feeling itself. It's also interesting that many Germanic languages had words specifically for temporary or fleeting joy, suggesting our ancestors understood that happiness comes in different durations.
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