effusive

adjective

ef·fu·sive | \ i-ˈfyü-siv

, 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

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 Thanks to Targon’s effusive personality and accessible, friendly social media presence, every one of his nearly 50,000 followers is not only a fan but also a potential client. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "After the Highs and Lows of Baja East and Marc Jacobs, John Targon Has a New Brand and a New Lease on Life," 29 Apr. 2019 Following his death, political and community leaders were quick and effusive in their praise. — Jonathan Landrum Jr., The Seattle Times, "Memorial spotlights the man behind Nipsey Hussle rap persona," 12 Apr. 2019 The clip was set, of course, to the sound of the family’s praise, including an effusive howl from Joe. — Sara Delgado, Teen Vogue, "Joe Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Celebrated Youngest Jonas Brother Frankie Jonas's Graduation," 1 Apr. 2019 Analysts were effusive, with at least 20 boosting their price targets on the stock. — Laura Forman, WSJ, "Facebook Is Flying Too High Again," 1 Feb. 2019 Reading the effusive, eulogistic praise heaped on him by Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto somehow made the news seem even more bittersweet. — Jay Willis, GQ, "The press release is layered in so much stilted, sanitized corporatespeak," 4 May 2018 But the negative press attention sent the typically effusive, highly visible 22 year-old vlogger into hiding. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, "Logan Paul Says 'I'm a Good Guy Who Made a Bad Decision' on 'Good Morning America'," 1 Feb. 2018 Over time, their effusive quotes about each other just get more and more loving. — Katherine J. Igoe, Marie Claire, "Every Time Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga Gushed About Each Other," 27 Feb. 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.