What does the word "jovial" describe?

The term "jovial" is used to describe someone or something that is cheerful and full of good humor. When someone is described as jovial, it suggests a sense of merriment and a lively spirit, often characterized by friendliness and a playful demeanor. This word is often associated with a joyful and happy disposition, which aligns perfectly with the idea of being merry. The origins of the word also relate to the planet Jupiter, which in mythology was often associated with happiness and good fortune.

In contrast, the other options convey quite different meanings: being sad refers to feelings of sorrow or unhappiness, somber indicates a gloomy or serious tone, and laborious describes something that requires a lot of hard work or effort. None of these options capture the essence of cheerfulness inherent to the meaning of "jovial." Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the positive and lively characteristics associated with the word.