Excitement: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：thrilled anticipation (excitement)

excitement 🔊

/ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

A strong feeling of happiness, enthusiasm, and eagerness about something that is happening or about to happen.

Excitement illustrated by a joyful child unwrapping a colorful birthday present with wide eyes and a huge smile.

thrilled anticipation 🔊

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/θrɪld ænˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/

The feeling of eager happiness and heightened energy about something upcoming or currently happening.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From the verb 'excite' (Latin 'excitare', to arouse) + the noun-forming suffix '-ment'.

💡 Mnemonic

EXIt CITy with ENERGY! 'EX' (out) + 'CITE' (stir up) + 'MENT' (state) = the state of being stirred up with energy.

📖 Example

The children's faces were filled with excitement as they waited for the birthday party to begin. 🔊 The children's expressions clearly showed their thrilled anticipation while they waited for the birthday party to start.

🔗 Collocations

a sense of excitement – A feeling of thrilled anticipation

great excitement – A very high level of thrilled anticipation

excitement about/over something – Thrilled anticipation directed towards a specific thing

🔄 Synonyms

anticipation (n.) – A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.

enthusiasm (n.) – Intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

thrill (n.) – A sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure.

🚫 Antonyms

boredom (n.) – The state of feeling disinterested and weary because of lack of stimulation.

apathy (n.) – Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

indifference (n.) – Lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.

🌱 Derivatives

excite (v.) – To cause strong feelings of enthusiasm and eagerness.

excitable (adj.) – Easily excited.

excitedly (adv.) – In an excited manner.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'excitement' evolved from the Latin 'excitare', meaning 'to call out, arouse, awaken'. It entered Middle English via Old French. It captures the universal human experience of heightened emotion before significant events.