Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪɡˌzɪləˈreɪʃən/

Definitions

• Exhilaration (noun): A feeling of great happiness, joy, or excitement.
• Exhilaration (noun): The state of being exhilarated; a sense of lively or cheerful excitement.

Usage Examples

• "The exhilarating news of her promotion filled her with exhilaration."
• "The crowd erupted in exhilaration when the team scored the winning goal."
• "The exhilarating rush of wind as the roller coaster took off gave me a true sense of exhilaration."

Etymology

The word "exhilaration" is derived from the Latin word "exhilaratio," which means "a cheering up" or "a bringing into a joyful mood." The prefix "ex-" means "out of" or "from," and "hilaratio" comes from "hilarare," meaning "to make cheerful" or "to cheer up." The term evolved into English in the late 16th century, referring to a sense of uplifted or joyful emotion.

Synonyms

• Joy
• Excitement
• Happiness
• Ecstasy
• Elation
• Delight
• Euphoria

Antonyms

• Depression
• Sorrow
• Sadness
• Misery
• Melancholy
• Despair
• Unhappiness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, the word "exhilaration" is pronounced with a sharper "r" sound (/ɪɡˌzɪləˈreɪʃən/), while in American English, the "r" may be slightly softer and the "a" may be pronounced with a broader sound. In some dialects of English, such as in the West Indies, the emphasis on syllables might shift slightly, but the overall meaning remains consistent.

Historical Usage

The word "exhilaration" has been used since the early 17th century in English literature to describe a state of extreme joy or a feeling of being uplifted. It was often associated with moments of great personal success or during celebratory events. Over time, its use expanded to include both physical and emotional states of heightened joy, often influenced by exhilarating experiences or thrilling encounters.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, exhilaration is closely tied to moments of success, celebration, and physical activity, such as achieving a major life goal or participating in a physically demanding activity like sports or dance. For example, in Western cultures, exhilarating experiences might include attending a live concert or riding a roller coaster, while in Eastern cultures, it may be linked with spiritual or meditative experiences that bring a sense of peace and joy.

More Information

The concept of exhilaration extends beyond personal joy to the emotional and psychological effects of certain actions or experiences. It often describes an intense positive emotional reaction to thrilling or stimulating events, whether due to excitement, surprise, or even humor. This feeling of exhilaration is frequently sought after in both recreational and performance contexts, symbolizing a peak emotional experience.