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Meaning & use

delightful things

phrase·Everyday

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UK/dɪˈlaɪtfəl θɪŋz/
US/dɪˈlaɪtfəl θɪŋz/

Meanings

  1. phraseplural

    pleasant or enjoyable objects, events, or experiences

    Grammar: Always plural; use 'a delightful thing' for one item. Often with 'the' or 'some'.

    Patterns

    • delightful things
    • the delightful things in life
    • some delightful things

    The shop is full of delightful things like handmade candles and tiny toys.

    One of the delightful things about spring is the smell of flowers.

    She wrote a list of delightful things to do on a rainy day.

  2. phraseplural

    small pleasures or charming details that make life feel good

    Grammar: Often used in a more abstract, appreciative way: 'the delightful things in ordinary life'.

    Patterns

    • the delightful things in life
    • notice the delightful things

    He takes time to notice the delightful things around him.

    The book celebrates the delightful things of childhood.

Common combinations

full of delightful things
Her garden is full of delightful things.
the delightful things in life
Traveling lets you discover the delightful things in life.
a list of delightful things
He made a list of delightful things to buy for the party.
little delightful things
She noticed the little delightful things, like a bird on the windowsill.

Synonyms and how they differ

pleasant things
More neutral and less emotional; 'delightful' suggests a stronger, happier feeling.
charming things
Suggests attractiveness and old-fashioned appeal; 'delightful things' is broader and can include experiences.
joys
Usually refers to feelings rather than objects; 'delightful things' can be both objects and events.

Opposites

unpleasant thingshorrible things

Word family

delight noun
a feeling of great pleasure
delightful adjective
very pleasant or enjoyable
delightfully adverb
in a very pleasant way

Commonly confused: delightful things or delightful thing?

delightful things vs delightful thing

Singular form; use it for one specific object or event, not a general category.

Practice

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