online medical dictionary | definition of felicity

Origin: OE. Felicite, F. Felicite, fr. L. Felicitas, fr. Felix, -icis, happy, fruitful; akin to foetus.

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."

Synonyms: Happiness, bliss, beatitude, blessedness, blissfulness. See Happiness.

(01 Mar 1998)