Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gladness \Glad"ness\, n. [AS. gl[ae]dnes.]
   State or quality of being glad; pleasure; joyful
   satisfaction; cheerfulness.

         They . . . did eat their meat with gladness and
         singleness of heart.                     --Acts ii. 46.

   Note: Gladness is rarely or never equivalent to mirth,
         merriment, gayety, and triumph, and it usually
         expresses less than delight. It sometimes expresses
         great joy.

               The Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good
               day.                               --Esther viii.
                                                  17.

Source : WordNet®

gladness
     n : experiencing joy and pleasure [syn: {gladfulness}, {gladsomeness}]