exhilarate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'exhilarate' is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used as a verb meaning to experience a feeling of excitement or joy. Example sentence: The feeling of jumping off a bridge and bungee-jumping was exhilarating and something I'll never forget.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

In both cases, Mr Beinart argues, the desire to do great deeds and not simply what was necessary led to episodes of overreach and disappointment.Asking for the moonWhen war loses its capacity to exhilarate, seekers after national greatness need something else.

The Economist

Some museums, however, exhilarate – and none more than the living museum of today's Dresden, our next stop.

Independent

"If listeners thought yodelling was valuable only as a device to evict stragglers at the end of a party, or as a sure-fire way to secure an international novelty hit in 1956, the music we recorded in the Alps will – like so much to be heard in Music Planet – shatter such preconceptions and, simultaneously, delight and exhilarate".

Independent

When Keats writes, "I think I shall be among the English poets after my death," his simplicity exonerates him from any suspicion of bragging; he is merely acknowledging the possession of powers that exhilarate him as much as his readers.

The New Yorker

She thinks the atmosphere will exhilarate him.

The New Yorker

In her book "Darwin's Plots," the literary historian Gillian Beer supplements abstract nouns like evidence, relationships and beliefs with vivid verbs (rebuff, overturn, exhilarate) and concrete nouns that appeal to sensory experience (earth, sun, eyes): Most major scientific theories rebuff common sense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

For the rest of that day and all the next, we were on Essex country lanes, picking up speed over rolling hills, exhilarated to have escaped the city under our own steam.

The Guardian - Travel

I loved the vast richness of his canvas from an Italian monastery to the deserts of North Africa, the weaving of the politics of war with the power play of passion, all exhilarated with the thirst for exploration and adventure.

The Guardian

Standing outside the party's Rochester office, it was impossible not to be exhilarated by the general air of fun and mucking-in.

The Economist

Although few will resist the temptation to keep turning the pages, readers will close this monumental work exhilarated and informed, but with plenty of questions still unanswered.

The Economist

Worn down by all the Westminster talk of hardship and cuts, Bagehot felt exhilarated by the sight of them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exhilarate" to describe experiences or events that cause a strong feeling of happiness and excitement. Consider the intensity of the feeling you want to convey, as "exhilarate" suggests a more profound effect than simply making someone 'happy'.

Common error

Avoid using "exhilarate" for situations that evoke mild amusement or pleasure. This word signifies a powerful emotional response, and using it inappropriately can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exhilarate" is a transitive verb, used to describe the act of making someone feel very happy, animated, or elated. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, which showcase its use in various contexts to denote a strong positive emotional effect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exhilarate" is a versatile transitive verb denoting the act of causing intense happiness or excitement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While similar words exist, "exhilarate" signifies a powerful emotional response, distinct from milder forms of pleasure or amusement. When writing, ensure you use "exhilarate" to express genuinely uplifting and joyful experiences. Consider using synonyms such as "thrill" or "invigorate" to fine-tune your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thrill

Focuses on a sudden, intense excitement.

invigorate

Emphasizes restoring energy and vitality.

excite

A more general term for stirring up positive feelings.

delight

Suggests a feeling of great pleasure or satisfaction.

fill with enthusiasm

Focuses on imbuing someone with a specific emotion.

cheer

Implies making someone happy or optimistic.

gladden

Focuses on making someone feel joy or happiness.

to uplift

Implies raising someone's spirits, often in a broader emotional sense.

animate

Highlights bringing life or movement to something.

galvanize

Emphasizes stimulating action or awareness.

FAQs

How can I use "exhilarate" in a sentence?

You can use "exhilarate" to describe something that makes you feel extremely happy or excited, for example: "The roller coaster ride was so exhilarating that I wanted to go again".

What are some words similar to "exhilarate"?

Some words similar to "exhilarate" include "thrill", "invigorate", and "delight".

Is it correct to say "I am exhilarated"?

Yes, "I am exhilarated" is grammatically correct. It means that you are feeling very happy and excited.

What is the difference between "exhilarate" and "excite"?

"Excite" is a more general term for stirring up positive feelings, while "exhilarate" suggests a more intense and uplifting experience. You might be excited about a new movie, but exhilarated after achieving a significant personal goal.