exhilarating
ig-ZIL-uh-ray-ting
/ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/
Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling.
Exhilarating implies a rush of energy or a 'high,' often from a physical activity or a fresh environment.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'ex-' (thoroughly) and 'hilarare' (to make cheerful). It shares a root with 'hilarious.'
Word relationships
- thrilling: Thrilling is very similar but can also imply a sense of fear or suspense.
- invigorating: Invigorating means making one feel healthy and full of energy, but is less intense than exhilarating.
- depressing: Causing feelings of sadness or low spirits.
- boring: Lacking interest or excitement.
Commonly confused with
- hilarious: Hilarious means extremely funny; exhilarating means extremely exciting.
Word family
- exhilarate (verb): To make someone feel very happy or animated.
- exhilaration (noun): A feeling of excitement, happiness, or elation.
Collocations
- exhilarating experience
- exhilarating ride
- exhilarating feeling
- truly exhilarating
Example sentences
- "There is nothing more exhilarating than the first few seconds of a skydive." Extreme sports experience.
- "The fresh mountain air was truly exhilarating after months in the city." Nature and scenery.
Memory hook
Exhilarating: It makes you feel 'hilar' (happy) and 'rating' (at a high level). High-energy happiness.
When not to use
Don't use it for mild happiness; it describes an intense, heart-pounding feeling.
Fun facts
- The word was originally used in a medical sense to describe things that 'gladdened' the heart or improved the spirits.
Related words
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