Deliriously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deliriously

[dih-lir-ee-uhs-lee ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

extreme state

The term 'deliriously' is used to describe a state of extreme excitement or joy, often to the point of being ecstatic. It can also refer to a state of confusion or disorientation, usually due to intense emotions or a medical condition. In everyday usage, it implies a level of enthusiasm that surpasses normal happiness. People might feel deliriously happy when they achieve something significant or experience a major life event.

Synonyms

ecstatically, enthusiastically, exuberantly, joyfully, wildly.

Examples of usage

  • She was deliriously happy after winning the award.
  • The children laughed deliriously while playing in the park.
  • He spoke deliriously about his adventures in travel.
  • The crowd cheered deliriously at the concert.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, delirious states can arise from high fever or severe illness, but it can also refer to extreme emotional highs, like exhilaration.
  • Delirium is a state of confusion, but the use of 'deliriously' often has positive connotations related to happiness.
  • Research shows that intense emotions can lead to temporary states of euphoria, which can mimic the experience of being 'delirious'.

Pop Culture

  • The term appears frequently in music and literature to describe overwhelming joy, often found in songs that celebrate love or life.
  • In movies, characters often express 'delirious' excitement during moments of triumph or after achieving something significant.
  • Famous song lyrics use 'deliriously' to convey peaks of ecstatic feelings, showing that this state resonates widely in popular media.

Literature

  • Classic works often use the term to depict a character's elevation in mood before a dramatic event, enhancing the surrounding tension.
  • Modern poetry frequently uses 'deliriously' as a metaphor for love, highlighting the intoxicating effects of strong emotions.
  • Writers describe settings and experiences as 'deliriously beautiful' to convey an overwhelming appreciation for nature or art.

Everyday Usage

  • 'Deliriously' can describe how people feel when celebrating events like weddings, graduations, or significant wins.
  • In casual conversation, someone might say they're 'deliriously happy' after receiving good news, showing how the word captures intense personal experiences.
  • It’s also commonly used in exaggerated expressions, for example, when someone says they are 'deliriously in love', emphasizing how far their feelings go.

Origin of 'deliriously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'delirare', which means 'to be crazy' or 'to wander off the furrow,' originally referring to someone who had lost their way.
  • It was first used in English in the late 14th century, often in the context of someone being out of their mind.
  • Over time, the meaning evolved to include intense states of joy or excitement.

The word 'deliriously' derives from the Latin word 'delirare,' meaning 'to be deranged' or 'to be mad.' This term first found its way into English in the early 17th century, with 'delirium' referring to a disturbed state of mind, often featuring hallucinations or severe confusion. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of emotional intensity, both positive and negative. The adverb form 'deliriously' came into common usage as the emotional aspects of delirium were recognized, growing to signify a state of extreme enthusiasm or joy in contemporary vernacular. This shift in meaning reflects how language evolves to express varying degrees of human experience, demonstrating a fascinating journey from medical terminology to everyday emotion.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,108 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.