Is over-the-moon formal or informal?

It is informal and very natural in speech and friendly writing.

Can I say over-the-moon in IELTS writing?

You can use it, but it is better for informal examples than formal academic writing.

What is the difference between over-the-moon and delighted?

Over-the-moon is stronger and more emotional. Delighted sounds a little calmer and more neutral.

How do I use over-the-moon in a sentence?

Use it after a verb like be, feel, or seem: “I was over-the-moon.”

← Dictionary

over-the-moon

/ˌəʊ.və.ðəˈmuːn/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Very happy and excited. People use it to describe strong joy, often after good news or success.

She was over-the-moon about her exam result.
They were over-the-moon when the baby arrived.

Adinary Nuance

Over-the-moon is more vivid and informal than simply happy. It is close to thrilled, delighted, and ecstatic, but it sounds warmer and more conversational. Writers choose it when they want strong joy without sounding too formal or clinical.

In other languages

Vietnamese: vui sướng tột độ
Spanish: encantado
Chinese: 欣喜若狂
Japanese: 有頂天
Korean: 매우 기쁜

Etymology

This phrase comes from the old nursery rhyme image of going “over the moon.” It became a fixed expression in modern English for extreme happiness.

Common phrases

over-the-moon with joyover-the-moon about itabsolutely over-the-moon

Synonyms

thrilled delighted ecstatic elated

Related words

happy joyful excited overjoyed

Frequently asked questions

Is over-the-moon formal or informal?: It is informal and very natural in speech and friendly writing.
Can I say over-the-moon in IELTS writing?: You can use it, but it is better for informal examples than formal academic writing.
What is the difference between over-the-moon and delighted?: Over-the-moon is stronger and more emotional. Delighted sounds a little calmer and more neutral.
How do I use over-the-moon in a sentence?: Use it after a verb like be, feel, or seem: “I was over-the-moon.”