Effusive: meaning, definitions and examples

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effusive

 

[ ɪˈfjuːsɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

expression of feelings

Effusive describes a way of expressing feelings or emotions that is extremely enthusiastic, heartfelt, or overflowing. It can convey excessive emotion that might sometimes come across as insincere or overwhelming.

Synonyms

enthusiastic, exuberant, gushing, unrestrained.

Examples of usage

  • Her effusive praise for the author was evident during the discussion.
  • He gave an effusive welcome to his guests at the party.
  • The effusive nature of the crowd made the concert even more unforgettable.

Etymology

The word 'effusive' comes from the Latin term 'effusivus', which is a combination of 'effundere' meaning 'to pour out' and the suffix '-ive'. Its usage in English dates back to the early 19th century when it emerged to describe an overflowing of emotions. Initially, it conveyed a sense of abundance and richness in feelings or expressions, often used in philosophical contexts. Over time, it transitioned into a broader use case where it started to describe not only the positive aspects of emotional expressions but also the idea of being overly expressive. Today, 'effusive' is commonly applied in both personal and professional contexts, such as describing someone's reaction or sentiments that are excessively warm and enthusiastic, which may sometimes seem exaggerated.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,439, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.