Delighted vs. Delightful: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 24, 2024
"Delighted" describes a feeling of great pleasure, while "delightful" describes something that brings pleasure or joy.
Key Differences
"Delighted" is an adjective used to express a state of happiness or pleasure. It describes how a person feels when they experience something enjoyable or satisfying. "Delightful," on the other hand, is an adjective used to describe something that causes delight or joy. It characterizes the nature of an object, event, or experience as pleasing or enjoyable.
While "delighted" reflects an individual's internal emotional state, "delightful" attributes those positive qualities to external entities or experiences. For example, a "delighted guest" feels happiness, whereas a "delightful party" is one that causes happiness.
"Delighted" often follows verbs like "be" or "feel," emphasizing the person's emotional reaction, such as in "She was delighted with the news." Conversely, "delightful" typically precedes nouns, highlighting the pleasing characteristics of something, such as in "a delightful meal."
In terms of usage, "delighted" is more subjective and personal, reflecting an individual's direct response. "Delightful" is more objective, describing the inherent qualities of an object or situation that universally bring joy.
Both terms are positive and used to express pleasure, but "delighted" is about experiencing joy, while "delightful" is about causing joy.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Feeling of great pleasure or happiness
Causing or bringing pleasure or joy
Usage
Describes a person's emotional state
Describes the nature of an object/event
Example Sentence
"She was delighted to receive the gift."
"The garden was delightful in spring."
Subjective/Objectiveness
Subjective, personal response
Objective, describing qualities
Common Pairings
Follows verbs like "be" or "feel"
Precedes nouns
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Delighted and Delightful Definitions
Delighted
Feeling or showing great pleasure.
He was delighted with his birthday surprise.
Delightful
Highly pleasing or enjoyable.
The concert was delightful.
Delighted
Overjoyed or very happy.
They were delighted by the beautiful performance.
Delightful
Causing great pleasure.
They had a delightful evening together.
Delighted
Experiencing joy or satisfaction.
I am delighted to announce the winner.
Delightful
Charming and enjoyable.
The book was a delightful read.
Delighted
Filled with delight.
Delightful
Bringing joy or happiness.
The park is delightful in the spring.
Delighted
(Obsolete) Delightful.
Delightful
Full of delight; very pleasing.
Her delightful smile brightened the room.
Delighted
Greatly pleased.
Delightful
Greatly pleasing.
Delighted
Filled with wonder and delight.
Delightful
Pleasant; pleasing, bringing enjoyment, satisfaction, or pleasure.
Delighted
Simple past tense and past participle of delight
Delightful
Highly pleasing; affording great pleasure and satisfaction.
Delighted
Endowed with delight.
If virtue no delighted beauty lack.
Delightful
Greatly pleasing or entertaining;
A delightful surprise
The comedy was delightful
A delicious joke
Delighted
Greatly pleased
Delighted
Filled with wonder and delight
Delighted
Extremely pleased or happy.
We are delighted to welcome you here.
Delighted
Feeling thrilled or content.
She felt delighted after the good news.
FAQs
Can "delightful" describe people?
Yes, "delightful" can describe people if they bring joy, e.g., "a delightful host."
What does "delighted" mean?
"Delighted" means feeling great pleasure or happiness.
Can "delighted" be used in formal writing?
Yes, "delighted" is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
Is "delighted" more common than "delightful"?
Usage depends on context; both are common but used differently.
What are synonyms for "delighted"?
Synonyms include "happy," "thrilled," and "overjoyed."
How do you use "delightful" in a sentence?
Use "delightful" to describe something pleasing, e.g., "a delightful afternoon."
Is "delightful" always positive?
Yes, "delightful" always has a positive connotation, describing something enjoyable.
What does "delightful" mean?
"Delightful" means causing or bringing pleasure and joy.
Can "delighted" describe things?
No, "delighted" describes a person's emotional state, not things.
Is "delighted" a temporary feeling?
Yes, "delighted" usually describes a temporary state of joy or happiness.
Can "delightful" describe experiences?
Yes, "delightful" often describes pleasant experiences.
What are synonyms for "delightful"?
Synonyms include "charming," "enjoyable," and "pleasing."
Is "delighted" used with specific verbs?
Yes, common pairings include "be delighted," "feel delighted."
Is "delighted" used more to describe reactions?
Yes, "delighted" describes someone's reaction to something pleasing.
Can "delightful" be used to describe weather?
Yes, e.g., "The weather today is delightful."
Is "delighted" more personal than "delightful"?
Yes, "delighted" reflects personal feelings, while "delightful" describes qualities.
Can "delighted" and "delightful" be used interchangeably?
No, they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
How is "delighted" pronounced?
"Delighted" is pronounced /dɪˈlaɪtɪd/.
How is "delightful" pronounced?
"Delightful" is pronounced /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/.
Can you be "delighted" by something "delightful"?
Yes, something delightful can make you feel delighted.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
