Exude: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'exude' when talking about a person or thing giving off a strong impression or feeling, often of confidence or emotion. It's often used in a positive context.

• She exudes confidence whenever she speaks in public.
• The plant exudes a pleasant fragrance.

Use 'emit' for something that sends out light, heat, sound, or a signal. It is more technical and neutral in tone.

• The factory emits a lot of smoke.
• The device emits a high-pitched sound.

Use 'release' when allowing something to flow out, like a gas, liquid, or an emotion. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

• The valve releases steam automatically.
• She released her anger by talking it out with a friend.

Use 'ooze' when a liquid slowly moves out of something, especially something thick, and often in a negative or unappetizing context.

• The wound began to ooze pus.
• The tree oozes sap in the spring.

Use 'radiate' when talking about spreading out feelings, qualities, or energy from a central point. It often has a positive connotation.

• He radiates happiness and positivity.
• The heater radiates warmth throughout the room.

This word is best used when someone or something is naturally releasing or displaying a characteristic, often in a noticeable way.

• She exudes confidence wherever she goes.
• The plant exudes a pleasant smell.

Radiate can be used when something like energy, light, or a strong feeling spreads out from a central point. It is often used in a positive sense.

• The sun radiates heat and light.
• He radiates happiness when he talks about his family.

This word is often used to describe the act of displaying an attribute or emotion very clearly to others. It can be used in a physical or metaphorical sense.

• She projects a calm demeanor even under pressure.
• The speaker projected his voice to reach the entire audience.

Use this word when something originates from a source and spreads outwards. It can refer to both physical things like light or sound, and more abstract things like feelings or ideas.

• A strange sound emanated from the old house.
• Joy emanates from his words.

Best used when describing a quality, feeling, or substance that radiates or oozes out slowly and steadily from someone or something in a noticeable way.

• She exudes confidence in every meeting.
• The plant exudes a sticky sap.

Typically describes the process of glands or cells producing and releasing a substance such as enzymes, hormones, or sweat. It can also carry a somewhat negative connotation when used metaphorically to imply hiding something.

• The pancreas secretes insulin.
• The spy managed to secrete the documents in his jacket.

Commonly used to describe the body's natural process of sweating due to heat, exercise, or stress.

• He began to perspire heavily during the workout.
• She was perspiring from the heat of the sun.