What does "exciting" mean?

1. (causing enthusiasm) making you feel very happy, interested, or enthusiastic. 2. (sexually stimulating) causing sexual interest or feelings. 3. (the process of arousal) the act or process of making something active or full of energy.

How do you use "exciting"?

Usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'. Used as a gerund (a noun formed from a verb).

Is it correct to say "I am very exciting about the trip."?

No — say "I am very excited about the trip.". Use 'exciting' for the thing that causes the feeling (the trip) and 'excited' for the person who has the feeling (you).

exciting

adj. · n.

US //ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ// UK //ɛksˈaɪtɪŋ// ex·cit·ing

1 causing enthusiasm (adj.)
A1 Beginner

making you feel very happy, interested, or enthusiastic.

causing great enthusiasm, eagerness, or interest.

Example

The kids were so happy because they had some exciting news to share.

Example

The discovery of a well-preserved shipwreck provided an exciting opportunity for marine archaeologists to study eighteenth-century trade routes.

Usage

Usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Teacher's tip

This is a classic '-ing' vs '-ed' adjective pair. Remind students that 'exciting' describes the source of the emotion.
Pitfall

I am very exciting about the trip.

I am very excited about the trip.

Use 'exciting' for the thing that causes the feeling (the trip) and 'excited' for the person who has the feeling (you).
2 sexually stimulating (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

causing sexual interest or feelings.

arousing sexual desire or interest.

Example

The couple found the romantic atmosphere of the city very exciting.

Example

The director used subtle lighting and music to create an exciting and intimate mood between the two leads.

Teacher's tip

While common, this sense is more adult-oriented; in general conversation, the word usually refers to fun or interest.
- arousing
- provocative

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3 the process of arousal (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

the act or process of making something active or full of energy.

the process of achieving a state of excitation or increased energy, often in a physical or biological context.

Example

The exciting of the atoms caused them to glow with a bright light.

Example

The rapid exciting of the nerve endings resulted in an immediate reflex action from the patient.

Usage

Used as a gerund (a noun formed from a verb).

Teacher's tip

This noun use is rare outside of scientific or highly formal academic writing.
- calming
- suppression