Word
exhilarating
Phoneticsex·hil·a·rat·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪɡˈzɪɫɝˌeɪtɪŋ/
UK/ɛɡzˈɪlɐɹˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definition
adj. making you feel very excited and full of energy, like a fast ride or a big success.
adj. causing a strong feeling of excitement and happiness; refreshingly thrilling. Often used to describe physical activities or emotional breakthroughs.
Examples
“The roller coaster ride was exhilarating.”
“Standing on the mountain peak after a long climb provided an exhilarating sense of achievement.”
“The exhilarating pace of the city's nightlife can be overwhelming for those accustomed to a quieter existence, yet it remains the primary draw for young professionals.”
Examples
simple
“The roller coaster ride was exhilarating.”
contextual
“Standing on the mountain peak after a long climb provided an exhilarating sense of achievement.”
complex
“The exhilarating pace of the city's nightlife can be overwhelming for those accustomed to a quieter existence, yet it remains the primary draw for young professionals.”
Pitfall
The roller coaster was exhilarated.
The roller coaster was exhilarating.
Use 'exhilarating' to describe the thing that causes the feeling, and 'exhilarated' to describe the person who feels it.
Real-World Examples
“Katherine Hensel/National Park Service via AP Hiking a picturesque valley or climbing a craggy gorge are some of the most exhilarating experiences in nature.” “After five years of running and operating my own firm, there are weeks that feel repetitive and tasks that are more mundane than exhilarating.” Etymology
By surface analysis, exhilarate + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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