Excitement: Definition, Synonyms, & How to Use It

By Team ABJ

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Excitement is a feeling of being really happy, thrilled, or eager about something. It’s like feeling a burst of energy or joy because something fun, interesting, or important is happening or about to happen. When you’re excited, you might feel butterflies in your stomach, have a big smile, or feel like you can’t wait for whatever is coming next. It’s a strong, positive feeling that makes you feel alive and enthusiastic.

Table of contents:

Meaning and definition of ‘excitement’

The word “excitement” can have various meanings and interpretations depending on the context in which it’s used. Here are some of the different definitions and meanings of the word:

1. Feeling of Enthusiasm or Eagerness: Excitement often refers to a state of heightened enthusiasm, eagerness, or anticipation about something. It’s the feeling of being thrilled or delighted about an upcoming event, activity, or experience.

2. Stimulation or Arousal: Excitement can refer to the state of being stimulated, either emotionally or physically. It might involve a rush of emotions, such as joy, happiness, or even nervousness, brought about by something intriguing or thrilling.

3. Activity or Stirring Up of Interest: It can also denote an activity or occurrence that stirs up interest, attention, or buzz among people. For instance, an exciting movie or a thrilling sports match might create a lot of excitement among audiences.

4. Physiological Response: In scientific or medical contexts, excitement can refer to a state of physiological arousal or increased activity within the body, such as an increased heart rate, as a response to certain stimuli or situations.

5. Sensationalism or Drama: Sometimes, excitement refers to an exaggerated or dramatic sense of fervor or interest, especially in media or storytelling, emphasizing thrilling or attention-grabbing elements.

6. Sexual Arousal: In a more specific context, excitement can refer to sexual arousal or the state of being sexually stimulated or aroused.

How to pronounce ‘excitement’?

The word “excitement” is pronounced as:

ek-sahyt-muhnt

Here’s a syllable breakdown to help with pronunciation:

  • “ek” sounds like “eck”
  • “sahyt” rhymes with “height”
  • “muhnt” sounds like “munt” with a soft “uh” sound

So, when said together, it’s “ek-sahyt-muhnt.” The stress is on the second syllable: “sahyt.”

Synonyms and Antonyms of excitement

here’s a list of synonyms (words with similar meanings) and antonyms (words with opposite meanings) for the word “excitement”:

Synonyms:

  • Thrill
  • Enthusiasm
  • Elation
  • Anticipation
  • Exhilaration
  • Eagerness
  • Joy
  • Animation
  • Stimulation
  • Rapture
  • Bother
  • Discomposure
  • Disturbance
  • Ferment
  • Fever
  • Flurry
  • Heat
  • Hubbub
  • Hullabaloo
  • Hurry
  • Impulse
  • Instigation
  • Intoxication

Antonyms:

  • Boredom
  • Apathy
  • Indifference
  • Calmness
  • Complacency
  • Disinterest
  • Lethargy
  • Serenity
  • Tranquility
  • Detachment

Examples of ‘excitement’ in sentences

  • The children couldn’t contain their excitement when they heard about the surprise trip to the amusement park.
  • His eyes sparkled with excitement as he unwrapped the gift.
  • The excitement in the air was palpable as the team scored the winning goal in the final minutes of the game.
  • Starting a new job brought a mix of nervousness and excitement for Sarah.
  • The excitement of seeing her favorite band perform live made her day unforgettable.
  • After months of planning, the excitement grew as the launch date of the product approached.
  • The anticipation and excitement of opening night filled the theater.
  • She tried to hide her excitement, but her smile gave it away.
  • The puppy’s excitement was evident from its wagging tail and playful jumps.
  • Despite the rain, the excitement of the festival kept everyone in high spirits.

What are the related terms and phrases to ‘excitement’?

Related terms and phrases to “excitement” often revolve around emotions, experiences, or states of mind that share similarities or associations with the feeling of excitement. Here are some related terms and phrases:

1. Euphoria: This refers to an intense feeling of happiness or excitement, often to an extreme degree, resulting in a sense of elation or bliss.

2. Anticipation: It involves looking forward to or eagerly expecting something. While it might not be the same as excitement itself, anticipation often leads to feelings of excitement.

3. Awe: A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder, often sparked by something grand, beautiful, or impressive. It can create a sense of excitement or amazement.

4. Adrenaline rush: This refers to a surge of energy or excitement caused by an adrenaline release, often in response to something thrilling, challenging, or dangerous.

5. Fervor: It denotes intense and passionate excitement or enthusiasm for a particular cause, activity, or belief.

6. Zeal: Similar to fervor, it signifies great enthusiasm or eagerness in pursuing something, often associated with a strong passion or excitement for a specific goal or interest.

7. Exhilaration: This describes a feeling of being invigorated, thrilled, or elated, usually resulting from an exciting or enjoyable experience.

8. Delight: Refers to a high degree of pleasure, joy, or happiness, often resulting from something that brings excitement or enjoyment.

9. Exuberance: This denotes a lively, cheerful, or enthusiastic quality, often expressed through high spirits, excitement, or energy.

Rhyming words with excitement

  • Enticement
  • Incitement
  • Indictment
  • Recitement

What are the other forms of ‘excitement’?

The word “excitement” can take on different forms based on its usage in various contexts. Here are the different forms of “excitement” with explanations and examples:

1. Noun (Base form – “excitement”): Refers to the state of being excited, thrilled, or emotionally stirred up.

  • Example: “The children’s excitement about the upcoming vacation was contagious.”

2. Adjective – Excited: Describes a person or thing that is experiencing the feeling of excitement.

  • Example: “She was excited to receive the award for her outstanding achievements.”

3. Adverb – Excitedly: Describes how something is done with excitement or in an excited manner.

  • Example: “The kids cheered excitedly as the magician performed his tricks.”

4. Verb – Excite (infinitive form): To cause someone to feel excited or stimulated.

  • Example: “The movie’s thrilling trailer excited audiences to watch it.”

5. Past Tense Verb – Excited: Refers to the action of having caused excitement in the past.

  • Example: “The unexpected announcement excited everyone at the party last night.”

6. Present Participle – Exciting: Describes something that causes excitement or is full of excitement.

  • Example: “The thrilling roller coaster ride was exciting for all the visitors.”

How can you use ‘excitement’ in your spoken English?

Here are some tips on how to use the word “excitement” in spoken English, along with examples:

1. Use it to express enthusiasm: When you’re excited about something, use “excitement” to convey your feelings of enthusiasm or eagerness.

  • Example: “I can’t contain my excitement about the upcoming concert! I’ve been waiting for it for months.”

2. Describe events or experiences: Use “excitement” to describe situations, events, or experiences that generate a strong positive emotional response.

  • Example: “There was so much excitement in the air during the championship game. The crowd went wild when their team scored.”

3. Express anticipation: Use “excitement” when talking about looking forward to something or feeling eager about an upcoming event or activity.

  • Example: “The excitement among the students is palpable as they prepare for the school’s annual talent show.”

4. Combine with adjectives or adverbs: Pair “excitement” with descriptive words to enhance the expression of your feelings.

  • Example: “I’m absolutely thrilled and filled with excitement to start my new job next week!”

5. Share personal experiences: Use “excitement” to express your emotions about past experiences that made you feel thrilled or eager.

  • Example: “When I visited the theme park for the first time, the excitement I felt on the roller coaster was incredible!”

6. Use appropriate body language and tone: When expressing excitement, your body language and tone play a crucial role. Smile, use an enthusiastic tone, and show gestures that reflect your excitement.

  • Example: “I’m so excited to share the news with you!” (Accompanied by a big smile and animated tone.)

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