Exclaim: meaning, definitions and examples

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exclaim

[ɪkˈskleɪm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

expressing strong emotion

To cry out suddenly, especially in surprise, anger, or pain.

Synonyms

cry, cry out, shout, yell.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exclaim	Used when you want to express strong emotions such as surprise, joy, or frustration in a sudden and loud manner. She couldn't help but exclaim in delight when she saw her birthday surprise. He exclaimed loudly, 'I don't believe it!'
cry out	Typically used to describe a sudden shout or yell that often indicates pain, fear, or a strong need for something. He cried out in pain when he twisted his ankle. She cried out for someone to stop the thief.
shout	Used when you raise your voice loudly, usually to be heard over a distance or noise or when you are very angry or excited. She had to shout to be heard over the loud music. He shouted at his friend from across the street.
yell	Similar to shout, but often implies even greater volume and intensity, usually when expressing anger, urgency, or excitement. Often has a more negative connotation, suggesting a loss of control. He yelled at the dog to stop barking. She yelled in frustration when she couldn't get the door to open.
cry	This word can refer to shedding tears due to sadness, pain or even joy, but it can also mean calling out loudly for help or attention. The baby started to cry because he was hungry. She cried for help as she struggled to stay afloat.

Examples of usage

He exclaimed in shock as he opened the door to find a tiger in his living room.
She exclaimed with delight when she saw the surprise birthday party waiting for her.
The child exclaimed in pain after bumping his knee against the table.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

expressing strong emotion

A sudden cry or remark expressing surprise, anger, or pain.

Synonyms

cry, outburst, outcry, shout.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
exclaim	See previous definition for 'exclaim'. 'It's a boy!' she exclaimed joyfully. 'Oh no, not again!' he exclaimed.
cry	This is often used when someone shouts loudly, usually out of pain, fear, or desperation, but can also mean shedding tears. She cried for help when she got lost in the forest. The baby started to cry when he was hungry.
shout	This is used when someone is raising their voice loudly to express strong emotion, to be heard over distance, or to get attention. He shouted for joy when his team won the game. She had to shout to be heard over the noise.
outcry	Use this for a strong public expression of protest, disapproval, or demand for change. It often has a political or social context. There was a public outcry over the new law. The decision caused an outcry among the community.
outburst	This is appropriate when someone suddenly releases a strong emotion, often loudly or violently. It can have a negative connotation. His sudden outburst of anger shocked everyone. She had an emotional outburst after hearing the bad news.

Examples of usage

Her exclaim of joy echoed through the room when she won the award.
There was an exclaim of disbelief from the audience when the magician made the elephant disappear.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

It comes from the Latin 'exclamare', which means 'to cry out'.
The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'clamare' means 'to shout', reflecting the action of shouting out.
This word has been in use in English since the 14th century, showcasing its long-standing presence in language.

Pop Culture

Exclamations are often found in comic books as speech bubbles, where characters express strong emotions.
In movies, characters exclaim to highlight key moments, such as surprising discoveries or thrilling action scenes.
Popular music often contains exclamations in lyrics, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.

Psychology

Exclaiming can be an expression of heightened emotions, signaling excitement or distress to those around you.
Research shows that vocal expressions, like exclamations, can influence social interactions and relationships.
Exclaiming can serve as a social cue, drawing attention and inviting reactions from listeners.

Literature

Authors often use exclamations to convey a character's emotional state, making stories more engaging.
Exclaims often punctuate poetry and drama, emphasizing themes and adding dynamism to the text.
Famous works of literature include exclamations to evoke feelings; for example, Shakespeare's characters frequently exclaim in moments of passion.

Communication

Exclaiming often helps convey urgency or importance in conversations, drawing immediate attention.
In written communication, exclamation marks are frequently used to illustrate exclamatory sentences.
Cultural norms dictate how and when to exclaim; in some cultures, it’s common to exclaim loudly during celebrations.

Translations

Translations of the word "exclaim" in other languages:

🇵🇹 exclamar

🇮🇳 घोषणा करना (ghoshna karna)

🇩🇪 ausrufen

🇮🇩 berseru

🇺🇦 вигукувати

🇵🇱 wykrzykiwać

🇯🇵 叫ぶ (sakebu)

🇫🇷 s'exclamer

🇪🇸 exclamar

🇹🇷 haykırmak

🇰🇷 외치다 (oechida)

🇸🇦 هتف (hatif)

🇨🇿 vykřiknout

🇸🇰 vykríknuť

🇨🇳 呼喊 (hūhǎn)

🇸🇮 vzklikniti

🇮🇸 æpa

🇰🇿 айқайлау (aīqaīlau)

🇬🇪 წამოძახება (ts'amodzakh'eba)

🇦🇿 qışqırmaq

🇲🇽 exclamar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,620, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17617 academia
17618 unintentional
17619 rubric
17620 exclaim
17621 viceroy
17622 corroborate
17623 vertigo
...