effusive

adjective

ef·​fu·​sive i-ˈfyü-siv How to pronounce effusive (audio)
e-,
-ziv
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
effusively adverb
effusiveness noun

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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, via the Medieval Latin adjective effūsīvus ("generating profusely, lavish"), 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 speaking 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, they are even more so at weddings and funerals
Recent Examples on the Web In a fictional world of effusive and eccentric characters, which included portrayals by Jon Hamm and Juno Temple, both nominated for Emmys as well, Morris’ Witt stood in contrast as a decent and unassuming man called into action. Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2024 Ohtani’s teammate, Max Muncy, was just as effusive in his praise. Jamie Barton, CNN, 12 Sep. 2024 Stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones looked teary at times by the effusive reaction to the movie. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Sep. 2024 Brit Hume, who earlier in the day decried Democratic rhetoric, was almost effusive in his praise. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 14 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for effusive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'effusive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin effūsīvus "generating profusely, lavish," from Latin effūsus (past participle of effundere "to pour out, discharge, expend") + -īvus -ive — more at effuse entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1687, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of effusive was circa 1687

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Dictionary Entries Near effusive

effusion

effusive

Efik

Cite this Entry

“Effusive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effusive. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

effusive

adjective
ef·​fu·​sive i-ˈfyü-siv How to pronounce effusive (audio)
e-,
-ziv
: expressing or showing much emotion
effusive thanks for their anniversary present
effusively adverb
effusiveness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on effusive

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