happily ever after

== English == === Etymology === The adverb is derived from happily (adverb) + ever after (adverb), used as a formulaic ending in works for children especially since the 19th century. The noun is derived from the adverb. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈhæpɪli ˌɛvəɹ‿ˈɑːftə/, /-ˈæf-/ (General American) IPA(key): /ˈhæpəli ˌɛvəɹ‿ˈæftəɹ/ Rhymes: -ɑːftə(ɹ), -æftə(ɹ) Hyphenation: hap‧pi‧ly ever af‧ter === Adverb === happily ever after (not comparable) (idiomatic) Chiefly preceded by he, she, they, etc., lived: often used as a formulaic ending in fairy tales, stories for children, and similar works: in a state of happiness for the rest of his, her, their, etc., lives. ==== Derived terms ==== happy ever after (noun) ==== Translations ==== === Noun === happily ever after (plural happily ever afters) (idiomatic) (narratology) A story, or a conclusion to a story, in which all the loose ends of the plot are tied up, and all the main characters are left in a state of contentment or happiness. Synonyms: eucatastrophe, fairy-tale ending, happy ending, happy ever after (by extension) A happy period of time which is imagined never to end; specifically, the state of happiness in which one or more people (typically a loving couple) dwell for the rest of his, her, their, etc., lives. Synonyms: fairy-tale ending, happy ever after ==== Alternative forms ==== happily-ever-after ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== fairytalelike good ending honeymoon period === References === === Further reading === happy ending on Wikipedia.Wikipedia Happy Ever After (disambiguation) on Wikipedia.Wikipedia