"Lighthearted" vs. "jolly": a cheerful comparison

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 17/05/2025, 07:16

English.me team member

Lighthearted and jolly. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "lighthearted" and "jolly" describe positive moods and are used to refer to cheerful attitudes or atmospheres. They both convey a sense of happiness and can be applied to people or situations.

What is different?

"Lighthearted" emphasizes being carefree, relaxed, and not weighed down by worries, while "jolly" focuses more on being lively, exuberant, and full of merry energy. "Jolly" is often associated with visible outward expressions of joy, whereas "lighthearted" can be more subtle or calm.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Lighthearted

She told a lighthearted joke that made everyone smile.
The movie had a lighthearted tone, making it enjoyable for all ages.
Despite the setbacks, he remained lighthearted and optimistic.

Jolly

The jolly man laughed heartily at the party.
Santa Claus is often portrayed as a jolly figure.
The room was filled with jolly singing and dancing.