excite

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'excite' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an action verb meaning to make someone enthusiastic or eager. You can use it when describing an event or activity that made someone feel excited and enthusiastic. Example: He was so excited when he heard he had won the lottery.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So this year, we're publishing our second annual "it's happening" gallery designed to inspire, excite and counter the insidious narrative from the climate sceptics and go-slowers, that the UK is engaged in some kind of unique and isolated climate folly.

The Guardian

Even Tuesday night's first live television debate on the TV3 station did not excite or ignite.

The Guardian

But if there is no moral response to death, then how much harder it becomes to excite people with the more complex dilemmas that Hare himself cares about, such as the unseen corrosion of a debased political culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

Theirs, then, is an unlikely mix of old and new and, while every single track on their debut album is beautifully constructed and impossible to dislike, it lacks the imperfections that excite".

The Guardian - Music

Yet, making a surprise call on Kensington poppy sellers in a mundane red coat a few days ago, she did little to excite newspaper editors and fashion commentators.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pink Floyd, presumed lost in action following the death of Richard Wright in 2008, will re-emerge with their cosmic grandeur; Adele – saviour of the music industry with her last album – will excite both the record-buying public and the executives, if she can get her album out before Christmas.

The Guardian

These players have the potential to lead us forward and excite football crowds.

The Guardian - Sport

Service can be brusque, and the wine list won't excite, but the food is worth the wait.

The Guardian - Travel

The designer's brief, we learned, was "to create mascots that would excite and inspire young people and encourage them to get involved in sport".

The Guardian - Opinion

The function of art is to unsettle and trouble, to provoke and excite, to alarm and inspire.

The Guardian

He was the man to get into the doors of business and excite investors to the possibilities of AWH.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a formal audience, consider if "excite" accurately conveys the intended tone or if a more precise synonym such as "stimulate interest" would be more appropriate.

Common error

Be mindful not to overuse "excite" for mild interest. Reserve it for situations where the feeling is genuine and strong to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The verb "excite" functions primarily to denote the act of arousing strong feelings or enthusiasm. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, from political reforms exciting unrest to technology exciting kids about the world. According to Ludwig AI, it’s an action verb that makes someone enthusiastic or eager.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "excite" is a versatile term used to express the act of generating enthusiasm or strong emotions. According to Ludwig AI, it is an action verb meaning to make someone enthusiastic or eager. It is commonly found in various contexts, including News & Media and Formal & Business settings. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its broad applicability, from discussing political reforms to advancements in technology. To enhance precision, alternatives like ""stimulate"" or ""arouse"" can be considered. While generally neutral in register, it is essential to ensure the intensity aligns with the intended emotional weight. It's generally acceptable in formal writing, but it should not be overused.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate excitement

Highlights the creation and build-up of excitement.

stimulate interest

More formal and focuses on intellectual or curious engagement.

spark enthusiasm

Emphasizes the creation of eagerness and passion.

thrill

Suggests a sudden feeling of pleasure and excitement.

arouse interest

Specifically targets the generation of interest or curiosity.

ignite passion

Suggests a sudden and intense burst of feeling.

stir up

Focuses more on initiating or provoking a feeling or action.

galvanize

Highlights stimulation into action, often after a period of inactivity.

invigorate

Implies the act of filling with energy and vitality.

captivate

Implies holding someone's attention and interest completely.

FAQs

How can I use "excite" in a sentence?

You can use "excite" to describe something that causes enthusiasm or eagerness. For example, "The prospect of traveling to Europe greatly "excite"s me".

What are some synonyms for "excite"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "stimulate", "arouse", or "thrill".

Is it appropriate to use "excite" in formal writing?

Yes, "excite" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider the nuance. In some cases, more specific alternatives like "generate interest" or "spark enthusiasm" might be more precise.

What's the difference between "excite" and "interest"?

"Excite" implies a stronger emotional response, suggesting enthusiasm and eagerness, while "interest" suggests a more mild and intellectual curiosity. To ""excite"" someone is to stir their emotions, whereas to "interest" them is simply to capture their attention.