exhilarating
UK[ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ]US[ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ]
adj
Making one feel very happy, animated, or elated; thrilling.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
hilar
ating
ex
out of, thoroughly
hilar
cheerful, merry
ating
Etymology
The word 'exhilarating' originates from the Latin verb 'exhilarare', which means "to make cheerful". This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix 'ex-' and the adjective 'hilaris', meaning "cheerful". The root 'hilaris' can be traced further back to Greek 'hilaros', sharing the same meaning of cheerfulness or gaiety. Thus, the literal sense of "thoroughly making cheerful" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of causing a thrilling and lively sense of excitement and happiness.
Analysis
Structure: ex + hilar + ating
- ex: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "out of, thoroughly".
- hilar: Latin origin, from the root 'hilar-' meaning "cheerful, merry".
- ating: English origin, the present participle suffix '-ing', forming an adjective from a verb.
Examples
The roller coaster ride was an exhilarating experience.
She found the brisk mountain air utterly exhilarating.
Winning the championship was an exhilarating moment for the entire team.