which
favorable results (usually in minor matters) are secured, when it
becomes a synonym for _dexterous_, _felicitous_, and the associated
words; as, he has a _happy_ wit; _happy_ at retort (compare CLEVER). In
its most frequent present use, _happy_ is applied to the state of one
enjoying happiness, or to that by which happiness is expressed; as, a
_happy_ heart; a _happy_ face; _happy_ laughter; _happy_ tears (compare
synonyms for HAPPINESS). _Cheerful_ applies to the possession or
expression of a moderate and tranquil happiness. A _cheery_ word
spontaneously gives cheer to others; a _cheering_ word is more
distinctly planned to cheer and encourage. _Gay_ applies to an effusive
and superficial happiness (often not really worthy of that name) perhaps
resulting largely from abundant animal spirits: we speak of _gay_
revelers or a _gay_ horse. A _buoyant_ spirit is, as it were, borne up
by joy and hope. A _sunny_ disposition has a constant tranquil
brightness that irradiates all who come within its influence.

Antonyms:

Compare synonyms for GRIEF.

Prepositions:

A happy event _for_ him; happy _at_ a reply; happy _in_ his home, _with_
his friends, _among_ his children; happy _at_ the discovery, _over_ his
success.

* * * * *

HARMONY.

Synonyms:

accord, concurrence, consistency, uniformity,
accordance, conformity, consonance, union,
agreement, congruity, symmetry, unison,
amity, consent, unanimity, unity.
concord,

When tones, thoughts, or feelings, individually different, combine to
form a consistent and pleasing whole, there is _harmony_. _Harmony_ is
deeper and more essential than _agreement_; we may have a superficial,
forced, or patched-up _agreement_, but never a superficial, forced, or
patched-up _harmony_. _Concord_ is less full and spiritual than
_harmony_. _Concord_ implies more volition than _accord_; as, their
views were found to be in perfect _accord_; or, by conference _concord_
was secured; we do not secure _accord_, but discover it. We may speak of
being in _accord_ with a person on one point, but _harmony_ is wider in
range. _Conformity_ is correspondence in form, manner, or use; the word
often signifies submission to authority or necessity, and may be as far
as possible from _harmony_; as, the attempt to secure _conformity_ to an
established religion. _Congruity_ involves the element of suitableness;
_consisten