effusive

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

Other Words from effusive Synonyms & Antonyms Effusive History Is Overflowing More Example Sentences Learn More about effusive

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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 Her co-star Michael B. Jordan is effusive in his praise of Thompson. — Roxane Gay, Town & Country, "The Talented Tessa Thompson," 15 Jan. 2021 But Young is most effusive about her husband and five children, ages 18 to 27. — Hannah K. Sparling, The Enquirer, "'What will it take to break down the walls?' Michele Young has spent her life tackling obstacles.," 8 Nov. 2020 Whether there was effusive praise of Trump remains unknown. — Jonathan Lemire, ajc, "As end approaches, Trump gets doses of flattery, finality," 20 Dec. 2020 A day later, Trask received effusive praise from Alabama coach Nick Saban — perhaps the greatest college football coach of all time — as his team prepared to face Trask and the Gators. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "UF QB Kyle Trask calls Nick Saban’s praise ‘pretty special’," 14 Dec. 2020 Pittman's effusive praise of Alabama this week has included his reference to the Crimson Tide offensive line as the best in college football, and perhaps the best he's ever seen. — Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, "Surviving the Tide: Hogs familiar with top-ranked team," 12 Dec. 2020 And as Arizona became a pivotal swing state in the 2020 contest and Trump made constant visits, Ducey was always by his side with effusive praise. — Jonathan J. Cooper, chicagotribune.com, "Arizona Republican Party asking if followers are willing to die for Trump, openly beefing with GOP governor," 11 Dec. 2020 But Kornacki’s colleagues, like many viewers on television, have been particularly effusive in praising his persistence, passion and stamina. — Jeremy Barr, Washington Post, "MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki keeps going. And going. And going.," 4 Nov. 2020 Lombardi has started every game and struggled before taking a hard fall and getting knocked out vs. Ohio State, and Tucker has not been effusive in praise when Thorne has twice taken over. — Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press, "Prioritizing Michigan State football's biggest needs going into 2021 offseason," 9 Dec. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

23 Jan 2021

Cite this Entry

“Effusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effusive. Accessed 26 Jan. 2021.

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