SuaviloquyToday’s word

felicity

Felicity, n.; pl. Felicities.

Etymology: [OE. felicite, F. félicité, fr. L. felicitas, fr. felix, -icis, happy, fruitful; akin to fetus.]

1. The state of being happy; blessedness; blissfulness; enjoyment of good. Our own felicity we make or find. Johnson. Finally, after this life, to attain everlasting joy and felicity. Book of Common Prayer.

2. That which promotes happiness; a successful or gratifying event; prosperity; blessing. the felicities of her wonderful reign. Atterbury.

3. A pleasing faculty or accomplishment; as, felicity in painting portraits, or in writing or talking. "Felicity of expression." Bp. Warburton.

Syn. -- Happiness; bliss; beatitude; blessedness; blissfulness. See Happiness.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for felicity; he lists it under happiness.

Where he writes about it:

Felicity is a philosophical term, colder and more formal than happiness. — from happiness