exude
UK[ɪɡˈzjuːd]US[ɪɡˈzuːd]
v
to flow out slowly and steadily, or to cause something to flow out in this way, especially through small openings
v
to clearly display a strong feeling or quality in a way that is easy to notice
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
ude
ex
out
ude
to go, to flow
Etymology
the word 'exude' originates from the latin verb 'exsudare', which is a compound of the prefix 'ex-' (meaning 'out') and 'sudare' (meaning 'to sweat'). this literal sense of 'sweating out' or 'oozing out' passed directly into english in the late 16th century, retaining the core idea of a liquid or moisture emerging gradually. over time, the meaning broadened metaphorically to describe the outward manifestation of intangible qualities, such as confidence or charm, as if they were emanating from a person. this evolution from a physical process to an abstract expression illustrates a common pattern where sensory experiences provide vocabulary for describing psychological or behavioral traits.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + ude (to go, to flow)
ex- (latin prefix, meaning 'out of, from'); -ude (from latin verb 'sudare', meaning 'to sweat', but here adapted from the latin past participle 'sudus'/'exsudare', implying a flowing out)
Examples
the cut on his finger began to exude a clear fluid.
she exudes confidence whenever she walks into a room.
the warm compost heap exuded a pleasant, earthy smell.