I. də̇ˈlīt, dēˈ-, usu -īd.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English delit, from Old French delit, deleit, from delitier, deleitier
1. : a high degree of gratification of mind or sense : a high-wrought state of pleasurable feeling : lively pleasure : joy
filled with delight at the thought of pleasant days ahead
also : extreme satisfaction
he took delight in his new accomplishment
2. : something that gives great pleasure or gratification
Heaven's last, best gift, my ever new delight — John Milton
the new car is a perfect delight
3. archaic : the power of affording pleasurable emotion or felicity
of more delight than hawks or horses be — Shakespeare
Synonyms: see pleasure
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English deliten, from Old French delitier, deleitier, from Latin delectare, from delectus past participle of delicere to allure, from de- + -licere (from lacere to allure); akin to Old English lǣl switch, Latin laqueus snare
intransitive verb
1. : to have or take great satisfaction or pleasure : become greatly pleased or rejoiced — used with in or an infinitive
love delights in praises — Shakespeare
I delight to do thy will, O my God — Ps 40:8
2. : to give keen enjoyment or pleasure
transitive verb
1. : to give joy or satisfaction to : affect very pleasurably : please highly : gratify
a beautiful scene delights the eye
their gifts delighted the children
2. obsolete : to take delight in : enjoy
Synonyms: see please