rapture

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rapture" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of intense joy or ecstasy, often in a spiritual or emotional context. Example: "The audience was in a state of rapture as the orchestra played the final notes of the symphony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

OS Map: Explorer 350 – Edinburgh: Musselburgh & Queensferry The lush woodlands of the Hermitage inspired Wordsworth, Mendelssohn and Turner to rapture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Baudelaire described how it could "expand beyond all measures, stretch out the limitless, make rapture bottomless".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But, to be truthful, it wasn't this that held me in true rapture at the time, it was the man walking along the beach with ice creams and fruits encased in a friable coating of caramel as delicate as a butterfly's wing, crying out "ArroriviagelatievitaminiBB".

The Guardian - Travel

Forcing Labour to vote for such a pledge and it is hard to see how it could refuse would send Tory backbenchers into rapture.

The Economist

But attention has inexorably crept south and settled on the question of just how and how much the British government was involved in the case.Mr Brown's five-day silence on Mr Megrahi's release was broken on August 25th when he deplored the rapture in Tripoli that greeted the killer of 270 people.

The Economist

They led with a sense of curiosity driven by rapture and wonder.

The Economist

"All the movies from our stable are means of spreading the gospel in preparation of rapture," she explains.Nigeria's success in film-making has not just elicited carping from other African countries.

The Economist

Received with respect rather than rapture, he avoided the fate of David Davis, the Tory leadership front-runner whose campaign unravelled after a dire conference speech last year.Damaged goodsBut with that single word, "lie", Mrs Blair drew attention to some of the doubts about Mr Brown.

The Economist

The salmon may feel a more modified rapture.

The Economist

His cheese can send the authors of Michelin guidebooks into rapture; Switzerland's best chefs regularly call him begging for some.

The Economist

To be published in America by Pegasus Books in MayThe artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London raises two fingers to academia, the heritage industry and the genteel tendencies of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and along the way touches both rapture and despair.______________________________________________District and Circle By Seamus Heaney.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "ecstasy" or "bliss" if a less intense or more nuanced expression of happiness is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "rapture" to describe mild enjoyment or ordinary happiness. The word carries a strong connotation of overwhelming emotion or spiritual significance, so reserve it for appropriate contexts.

Linguistic Context

The noun "rapture" primarily functions to denote a state of intense joy, delight, or spiritual ecstasy. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it often describes overwhelming positive emotions or religious experiences, as in "held me in true rapture" or "aesthetic rapture".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rapture" is a versatile noun used to describe intense joy, delight, or spiritual ecstasy. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English. It appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and scientific texts. While synonyms like "ecstasy" or "bliss" can be used, it's crucial to consider the strong emotional or religious connotations of "rapture". Ensure that when using "rapture", the context aligns with the word's profound emotional or spiritual significance to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ecstasy

Refers to a state of overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement, similar to "rapture" but often implying a more intense and possibly shorter-lived experience.

bliss

Suggests perfect happiness or great joy, akin to "rapture" but generally implies a calmer, more sustained state of contentment.

exaltation

Implies a feeling of great elation or elevation, often in a spiritual or religious context, much like "rapture".

transport

Indicates being carried away by intense emotion, sharing the sense of being uplifted and overwhelmed found in "rapture".

delight

Expresses great pleasure or satisfaction, a milder form of the intense joy suggested by "rapture".

elation

Suggests high spirits or great excitement, similar to "rapture" but potentially less profound.

joy

A general term for happiness or pleasure, less intense than "rapture" but still indicative of positive emotion.

heavenly joy

Emphasizes the divine or spiritual nature of the happiness, akin to the religious connotations of "rapture".

pure joy

Highlights the unadulterated and intense nature of the happiness, echoing the feeling of "rapture".

sheer bliss

Stresses the completeness and intensity of the happiness, similar to the overwhelming feeling of "rapture".

FAQs

How can I use "rapture" in a sentence?

You can use "rapture" to describe a state of intense joy or spiritual delight, such as: "The music filled her with "spiritual rapture"" or "The audience was in "complete rapture" after the performance".

What are some synonyms for "rapture"?

Alternatives to "rapture" include "ecstasy", "bliss", "exaltation", and "transport". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the theological meaning of "the rapture"?

In Christian eschatology, "the Rapture" refers to a prophesied event where believers are taken up to heaven. This is distinct from the general sense of "rapture" as intense joy.

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

Yes, "rapture" is appropriate for formal writing when describing intense emotional or spiritual experiences. However, ensure that the context aligns with the word's strong connotations. In other cases, more neutral alternatives may be preferable.