The Scandinavian origins of the word 'glad'

'Glad' is a word borrowed from Scandinavian 'glathr'. The word entered the English language some time before the 12th century.

glad [adjective] [before 12th century]

• having a cheerful or happy disposition by nature
• experiencing pleasure, joy, or delight
• made happy
• made pleased, satisfied, or grateful
• often used with 'of'
• very willing

See 'glad' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Scandinavian.

note: Related to Old Norse glathr ‘bright joyous’
Etymology: Middle English, shining, glad, from Old English 'glæd;' akin to Old High German 'glat' shining, smooth, Latin 'glaber' smooth, bald

See more loan words from before 1200.