gladden
UK[ˈɡlæd(ə)n]US[ˈɡlæd(ə)n]
v
to make someone glad or happy
Etymology
the word 'gladden' is a verb formed within english from the adjective 'glad'. the adjective 'glad' itself originates from old english 'glæd', meaning bright, shining, cheerful, or joyful, which is of germanic origin and related to old norse 'glathr' (bright, joyful) and german 'glatt' (smooth). the verb-forming suffix '-en', used to create transitive verbs from adjectives (as in 'widen', 'sharpen'), was added to 'glad' in the late middle english period. thus, the literal construction 'to make glad' directly reflects the modern abstract meaning of causing someone to become happy or cheerful.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form derived from the adjective 'glad' with the addition of the verb-forming suffix '-en'.
Examples
the news of his safe return will gladden the hearts of his family.
she was gladdened by the sight of spring flowers after the long winter.
a sincere compliment can gladden someone's day.