Rapture: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a feeling of intense pleasure or joy, often associated with a sense of being completely absorbed or carried away by an overwhelming emotion. It can have a religious or spiritual connotation.

• She was in rapture when she saw the stunning sunset over the ocean.
• The audience listened in rapture to the symphony.

Describes an overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement, often so intense that it can cause one to be out of touch with reality. It is sometimes associated with a state of euphoria or intense passion.

• She was in ecstasy when she won the lottery.
• The fans were in ecstasy during the band's encore performance.

Describes a state of perfect happiness or joy, often calm and enduring. It is frequently used to talk about peaceful or tranquil happiness.

• They lived in bliss after their wedding.
• A long walk on the beach brought her pure bliss.

Refers to a strong feeling of happiness or satisfaction, typically caused by something pleasing or enjoyable. It is often used in everyday situations.

• The children's faces lit up with delight when they saw the presents.
• He took delight in preparing a special meal for his friends.

Rapture is often used in more intense or passionate settings, often with a deep, almost spiritual connotation. It's the feeling of being completely carried away or overwhelmed by emotion.

• She was in rapture upon hearing the news of her promotion
• The audience listened in rapture as the symphony played

Euphoria describes an intense state of happiness and well-being, often to the point of seeming almost unreal. It is frequently used in medical or psychological contexts to describe an elevated mood.

• The euphoria experienced after winning the lottery was indescribable
• There is a sense of euphoria that sometimes accompanies the initial stages of falling in love

Elation is a feeling of great happiness and excitement, but it is less intense than rapture. It is often used to describe a high level of joy associated with success or a positive event.

• He felt a wave of elation when he crossed the finish line first
• Her elation was evident after receiving the acceptance letter from her dream university

Joy is a more general and commonly used term to describe a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. It can be used in a wide range of situations, both big and small.

• The children's faces were filled with joy as they played in the park
• She found joy in the simple act of reading a good book

Use 'rapture' to express intense pleasure or joy, often of a more spiritual or transcendent nature.

• She felt a sense of rapture while standing atop the mountain, looking at the sunset

Adoration is best used when describing deep love and respect for someone or something, often implying a worshipful quality.

• The child's adoration for her mother was evident in her eyes

Devotion implies strong love and loyalty, often in the context of dedication to a cause, person, or belief.

• Her devotion to teaching inspired all her students

Fervor is associated with strong and passionate feelings, often linked to enthusiasm or commitment.

• He spoke about the project with such fervor that everyone in the room felt energized