laetitia¹

1. Gaudere (from γαῦρος) denotes joy as an inward state of mind, in opp. to dolor, like ἥδεσθαι; whereas lætari and hilarem esse, the utterance of joy. Tac. Hist. ii. 29. Ut valens processit, gaudium, miseratio, favor; versi in lætitiam . . . . laudantes gratantesque. 2. The lætus (from λιλαίομοι) shows his joy in a calm cheerfulness, which attests perfect satisfaction with the present, in opp. to mœstus, Tac. Ann. xv. 23; the hilaris (ἱλαρός) in awakened mirth, disposing to jest and laughter, in opp. to tristis; the alacer (ἀλκή) in energetic vivacity, evincing spirit and activity, in opp. to territus. Cic. Cœl. 28. The gaudens, the lætus, the hilaris, derive joy from a piece of good fortune; the alacer at the same time from employment and action. Cic. Divin. i. 33, 73. Equum alacrem lætus adspexit. Lætitia shows itself chiefly in an unwrinkled forehead, and a mouth curled for smiling; hilaritas, in eyes quickly moving, shining, and radiant with joy; alacritas, in eyes that roll, sparkle, and announce spirit. Sen. Ep. 116. Quantam serenitatem lætitia dat. Tac. Agr. 39. Fronte lætus, pectore anxius. Cic. Pis. 5. Te hilarioribus oculis quam solitus es intuente. 3. Gaudere and lætari denote a moderate; exsultare and gestire, and perhaps the antiquated word vitulari, a passionate, uncontrolled joy, as to exult and triumph; the gestiens (γηθεῖν) discovers this by an involuntary elevation of the whole being, sparkling eyes, inability to keep quiet, etc.; the exsultans, by a voluntary, full resignation of himself to joy, which displays itself, if not by skipping and jumping, at least by an indiscreet outbreak of joy, bordering on extravagance. 4. Jucundus denotes, like juvat me, a momentary excitement of joy; lætus, a more lasting state of joy; hence lætus is used as the stronger expression, in Plin. Ep. v. 12. Quam mihi a quocunque excoli jucundum, a te vero lætissimum est. (iii. 242.)