Exclamatory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exclamatory

[ษชkหˆsklรฆmษ™หŒtษ”ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

sentence structure

Exclamatory refers to a type of sentence that expresses strong emotion or excitement. These sentences typically convey feelings of surprise, joy, anger, or enthusiasm, often punctuated with an exclamation mark. Exclamatory sentences are used to convey a sense of urgency or emotional intensity. They can take various forms, but all serve to emphasize the speaker's emotional state.

Synonyms

emphatic, expressive, intense.

Examples of usage

  • What a beautiful day!
  • I can't believe we won!
  • Watch out for that car!
  • How incredible this is!
  • That was amazing!

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Grammar

  • Exclamatory sentences differ from declarative and interrogative sentences by their tone and punctuation.
  • These sentences often start with words like 'What' or 'How', emphasizing the emotion being expressed.
  • In writing, an exclamatory sentence makes the language more vibrant and engaging for the reader.

Pop Culture

  • Many famous movie quotes are exclamatory, capturing memorable moments with intensity (e.g., 'This is Sparta!').
  • Songs often use exclamatory lyrics to express passion and enthusiasm, making them catchy and relatable.
  • Social media platforms are filled with exclamatory statements to convey excitement, like 'I just got tickets!'

Literature

  • Writers use exclamatory sentences to create dramatic effects, pulling readers into emotional scenes.
  • In poetry, exclamatory phrases can intensify feelings, contributing to the rhythm and flow of the piece.
  • Classic novels and contemporary works alike feature characters using exclamatory dialogue to reflect their fervent emotions.

Psychology

  • Using exclamatory language can influence how others perceive your emotions and intensity in communication.
  • Research shows that exclamatory expression can enhance empathy, making it easier to connect with others.
  • Exclamatory statements often emphasize positive emotional states, contributing to more joyful interactions.

Origin of 'exclamatory'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exclamare', meaning 'to cry out or shout out'.
  • The suffix '-atory' indicates a characteristic or relation, thus linking to expressing feelings.
  • The concept of exclamatory sentences has its roots in grammar dating back to ancient Latin and Greek literature.

The term 'exclamatory' originates from the Latin 'exclamare', which means 'to cry out'. This verb combines 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'clamare' meaning 'to shout'. The transition from Latin to English occurred through the influence of Old French, where it took the form 'exclamatoire'. By the early 19th century, 'exclamatory' began to be used to describe a specific type of sentence structure in English grammar. The concept of exclamatory sentences has been a part of linguistic analysis for centuries, reflecting the inherent importance of emotional expression in human language. The function of exclamatory sentences allows speakers and writers to convey feelings vividly and immediately, serving a crucial role in communication.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,297 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.