Heiterkeit

cheerfulness

noun HITE-er-kite Less Common

Also means

merriment

Usage Note

Heiterkeit is a light, serene cheerfulness, from heiter (cheerful, also of clear weather). In minutes of a meeting, (Heiterkeit) marks audience laughter. It suggests gentle good humour, not raucous fun.

Examples

"Seine Bemerkung sorgte für allgemeine Heiterkeit."

Natural Translation

His remark caused general merriment.

Literal Translation

His remark provided for general cheerfulness.

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