effusive
Say it: ih-FYOO-siv /ɪˈfjuːsɪv/ · adjective
What “effusive” means
Showing thanks, praise or happiness with overflowing enthusiasm.
More precisely: Expressing gratitude, praise or pleasure in an unrestrained, gushing way.
When to use it
When someone pours out enthusiastic praise or thanks. Often warm, but it can suggest their reaction feels excessive.
Memory trick
Latin effundere means to pour out: picture praise pouring out without restraint.
Similar words
gushing, lavish, enthusiastic
Where it comes from
From Latin effundere, 'to pour out'.
Quick check
For lending her a pen, your colleague thanks you repeatedly and declares you absolutely wonderful. Her thanks are…
effusive or polite?
Show the answer
effusive
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