merrier
merrier — adjective
- merrierpositive
- more merriercomparative
- most merriersuperlative
1. happier and more full of fun, laughter, or enjoyment — used when comparing one s
happier and more full of fun, laughter, or enjoyment — used when comparing one situation, event, or person with another.
The children grew merrier as the birthday party went on, laughing at every game.
comparative: merrier + as + clause for increasing joy
Nia felt far merrier after her friends surprised her with a visit, and she could not stop smiling.
far merrier for intensifying the comparison
The atmosphere at the wedding reception was merrier than anyone had expected, with dancing that lasted until midnight.
Haruto found the Saturday market merrier than the Tuesday one, crowded with musicians and food carts.
用法筆記
Merrier is the comparative form of merry. It is less common than the base adjective and appears mostly in informal or festive contexts.
常見錯誤
2. a polite British way of saying that someone has become more tipsy or has had mor
a polite British way of saying that someone has become more tipsy or has had more alcohol than usual — used as a mild comparison.
After just two glasses of wine at the office party, Piotr was merrier than anyone else in the room.
UK euphemism: merrier = tipsy from alcohol
Constanza laughed at everything her uncle said, growing visibly merrier with each sip of champagne.
By the end of the pub quiz Megan was merrier than her teammates, giggling at every wrong answer.
Haruto's father grew merrier after one glass of port at dinner, telling stories his children had never heard before.
- tipsier
more direct, less euphemistic; common in both UK and US
- happier for drink
a phrasal way to express the same idea
- soberer
direct opposite in the alcohol context
用法筆記
This sense is almost exclusively British and used as a gentle understatement. Avoid using it in formal writing or in American English contexts, where it may sound odd.
常見錯誤
3. livelier and faster in movement or pace — describing a more energetic way of wal
livelier and faster in movement or pace — describing a more energetic way of walking, moving, or proceeding.
The old horse picked up a merrier trot when it saw the stable ahead, eager for its evening hay.
merrier = faster, more energetic pace
Noor walked at a merrier pace than usual that morning, excited about the hiking trail through the forest.
With the wind behind them, the sailors set a merrier course across the bay, reaching the harbour before dusk.
Megan found that the afternoon class moved at a merrier rhythm when the teacher played music in the background.