Excitement

/ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The state of feeling enthusiastic, eager, or thrilled.

/ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A feeling of great enthusiasm and eagerness.

The news of the surprise party filled her with excitement.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're about to open a really cool present, or you're going to a party! Excitement is that happy, buzzy feeling you get when something fun and awesome is about to happen.

👶 For kids: It's when you feel really, really happy and want something to happen!

More Examples

2

The crowd roared with excitement as the band took the stage.

3

He tried to hide his excitement about getting a new video game.

How It's Used

General conversation

"The children showed great excitement about the upcoming trip to the zoo."

Sports

"The crowd's excitement reached a fever pitch as the game went into overtime."

Literature

"The author used vivid descriptions to create a sense of excitement in the reader."

2

An event or factor that generates enthusiasm.

/ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

nounpositivemedium
General

Something that causes feelings of enthusiasm.

The upcoming festival promises a weekend of excitement.

💡 Simply: Think about the thing that makes people excited. It could be a new movie release, a fun event, or even a surprise announcement. The thing *causing* the good feeling is also considered excitement.

👶 For kids: Something fun or special that makes you feel very happy.

More Examples

2

The new technology created considerable excitement in the industry.

3

The prospect of a vacation added to the excitement of the approaching summer.

How It's Used

Marketing

"The launch of the new product generated significant excitement in the market."

News reporting

"The discovery of a new species caused considerable excitement in the scientific community."

Tip:Think of what *caused* the exciting feeling. That 'thing' is the *excitement* itself.

Idioms & expressions

the excitement of

Referring to the enthusiastic thrill one experiences in anticipation of or during a specific situation.

"She missed the excitement of the bustling city life when she moved to the countryside."

build excitement

To gradually increase anticipation and enthusiasm for something.

"The marketing campaign was designed to build excitement for the new product launch."

a moment of excitement

A brief period of intense enthusiasm or thrill.

"The winning goal created a moment of excitement for the fans."

From Middle English excitement, from Old French excitement, from Latin excitatio ('a rousing, excitement'), from excitare ('to rouse, call forth'), from ex ('out') + citare ('to set in motion').

The word 'excitement' has been used since the 17th century to describe a state of being stirred up or agitated.

Memory tip

Think of a time you were *excited* about something! The feeling itself is *excitement*.

excitmentexcitimentexcietment

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written