'cheerful' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'cherful,' where 'cher' meant 'face' or 'countenance' and '-ful' meant 'full of.'

'cherful' transformed into the modern English word 'cheerful' through the influence of the word 'cheer,' which meant 'mood' or 'spirit.'

Initially, it meant 'full of cheer or good spirits,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.