rapturous
UK[ˈræptʃərəs]US[ˈræptʃərəs]
adj
expressing or causing a feeling of extreme pleasure and happiness
Morpheme Breakdown
rapt
ur
ous
rapt
seized
ur
suffix
ous
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'rapturous' originates from the latin verb rapere, meaning 'to seize or carry away'. its past participle, raptus, gave rise to the english word 'rapt', describing a state of being completely absorbed or carried away by intense emotion. the addition of the adjectival suffix '-ous' (from latin -osus) transformed this into 'rapturous', literally meaning 'full of being seized'. thus, the modern abstract meaning of experiencing or expressing ecstatic joy logically evolves from the ancient sense of being violently or spiritually transported from one's ordinary state.
Analysis
Structure: rapt (seized) + ur (suffix) + ous (adjective suffix)
rapt: from latin raptus, past participle of rapere meaning 'to seize, snatch, carry off'. it functions as the core root conveying the sense of being 'carried away'.
ur: a latin suffix often found in past participle stems, serving a derivational function in forming the base for further suffixation.
ous: a latin-derived suffix (-osus) used to form adjectives meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by'.
Examples
the audience gave the performers a rapturous standing ovation.
she listened to the symphony with a rapturous expression on her face.
their reunion after many years was a rapturous occasion.