Basic Details
Word: Mirthless
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Lacking joy or happiness; without laughter or amusement.
Synonyms: Joyless, cheerless, solemn, serious
Antonyms: Joyful, cheerful, happy, light-hearted
Idioms and Phrases
- Mirthless laughter: A laugh that is empty or without joy, usually indicating sarcasm or sadness. Example: "His mirthless laughter echoed in the room as he recalled his sad memories."
- In a mirthless mood: Feeling unhappy or serious without any light-heartedness. Example: "She entered the party in a mirthless mood, making others wonder if something was wrong."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The atmosphere in the room was mirthless as everyone sat in silence, reflecting on the recent events.
Example 2: Even though the comedian was trying to tell jokes, his audience remained mirthless and unresponsive.
Example 3: The once bright and lively gathering turned mirthless after the disappointing news was shared.
Fun Fact
The word "mirthless" comes from the Middle English word "mirth," meaning joy or amusement, combined with the suffix "-less," which indicates being without something. It has been in use since the early 13th century.
Famous Quote
"The mirthless heart will find no joy, for laughter is the song of the soul." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "mirthless" mean?
a) Full of joy
b) Lacking joy
c) Extremely happy
d) Very noisy
Answer: b) Lacking joy
2. Which of these is a synonym of "mirthless"?
a) Joyful
b) Cheerful
c) Joyless
d) Playful
Answer: c) Joyless
3. What is the opposite of "mirthless"?
a) Sad
b) Cheerful
c) Serious
d) Solemn
Answer: b) Cheerful
4. Which sentence uses "mirthless" correctly?
a) The children were mirthless as they played outside.
b) The movie had a mirthless scene that made everyone feel sad.
c) The mirthless dog wagged its tail happily.
d) She felt mirthless after winning the prize.
Answer: b) The movie had a mirthless scene that made everyone feel sad.
5. Which idiom relates to a lack of joy, similar to "mirthless"?
a) Mirthless laughter
b) Jump for joy
c) A smile a mile
d) As happy as a lark
Answer: a) Mirthless laughter
