Which word means carefree and cheerful?

The word "blithe" captures the essence of being carefree and cheerful succinctly. This term implies a light-hearted disposition and an absence of worry, embodying a free-spirited attitude that is often associated with happiness and joy. In everyday language, someone who is described as blithe is typically unconcerned by life's troubles, exhibiting a sense of buoyancy and cheerfulness.

While "joyful" and "jovial" also convey positive emotions, they don't specifically emphasize the carefree aspect. "Joyful" denotes a state of happiness but can be tied to specific moments or events, lacking the effortless, unburdened quality of "blithe." "Jovial" refers to a cheerful and hearty demeanor but often relates to one's interaction with others, suggesting a more social or communal aspect of cheer rather than a personal state of carefree joy.

"Carefree" similarly indicates a lack of worries or concerns, but it lacks the additional nuance of light-heartedness and cheerful disposition that "blithe" encapsulates. Therefore, "blithe" is the most precise choice for describing someone who is both free from care and filled with cheerfulness.