1 effusive | Definition of effusive

effusive

adjective
ef·​fu·​sive | \ i-ˈfyü-siv How to pronounce effusive (audio) , e-, -ziv\

Definition of effusive

1 : marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm effusive praise
2 archaic : pouring freely
3 : characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava effusive rocks

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from effusive

effusively adverb
effusiveness noun

Effusive History Is Overflowing

We've used "effusive" in English to describe excessive outpourings since the 17th century. In the 1800s, geologists adopted the specific sense related to flowing lava-or to hardened rock formed from flowing lava. "Effusive" can be traced to the Latin verb effundere ("to pour out"), which itself comes from "fundere" ("to pour") plus a modification of the prefix ex- ("out"). Our verb "effuse" has the same Latin ancestors. A person effuses when he or she speaks effusively. Liquids can effuse as well (as in "water effusing from a pipe").

Examples of effusive in a Sentence

They offered effusive thanks for our help. often effusive no matter what the occasion, my aunt is even more so at weddings and funerals

Recent Examples on the Web

Impressive freshmen class: Long was effusive in his praise for the Class of 2023. San Diego Union-Tribune, "Aztecs football notebook: FanFest scrimmage will impact who plays in season opener," 15 Aug. 2019 Lightfoot was effusive Wednesday about the passage of the Fair Workweek Ordinance that requires many Chicago employers to give low-wage workers two weeks’ notice of their schedules or face fines. Gregory Pratt, chicagotribune.com, "Mayor Lori Lightfoot scores early wins on some campaign pledges like ethics reform, while urging restraint on others," 24 July 2019 All Access' Good Wife spinoff, The Good Fight, hasn't gotten the same awards attention as its predecessor, and the same was true Emmys morning with the series, including star Christine Baranski, shut out again despite effusive praise from critics. Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, "Emmys Snubs: 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,' 'The Good Fight,' Tracee Ellis Ross, Allison Janney Not Nominated," 16 July 2019 Rozas 1er Cru is a step up, not as effusive or ample as La Bruja, and a little more chiseled. New York Times, "Reviving Ancient Spanish Vineyards, Building New Traditions," 24 May 2018 For years, Trump has raised eyebrows with his effusive praise of Putin. Washington Post, "Helsinki, Mueller shadowing upcoming Trump, Putin meeting," 24 June 2019 That didn't mean the awkwardness of the moment didn't hit home for Riley, unable to discuss Okpala moments after offering effusive praise for first-round pick Tyler Herro. Ira Winderman, sun-sentinel.com, "Winderman: Tax again has Heat in less-than-luxurious position | Commentary," 22 June 2019 But Blumenthal’s Democratic colleagues were effusive in their praise of the Connecticut senator. Ana Radelat, courant.com, "Sen. Richard Blumenthal finds special niche on Judiciary Committee," 10 June 2019 As for the evening’s honors, Brandon Maxwell, the stylist to Lady Gaga who now designs dresses with Old World panache, took home Womenswear Designer of the Year and gave an effusive speech that charmed the audience. Max Berlinger, latimes.com, "Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford and Jennifer Lopez celebrate at the CFDA Fashion Awards," 4 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'effusive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of effusive

circa 1687, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for effusive

borrowed from Medieval Latin effūsīvus "generating profusely, lavish," from Latin effūsus (past participle of effundere "to pour out, discharge, expend") + -īvus -ive — more at effuse entry 1

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for effusive

effusive

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of effusive

: expressing a lot of emotion

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on effusive

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with effusive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for effusive

Spanish Central: Translation of effusive

Nglish: Translation of effusive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of effusive for Arabic Speakers