Ecstasy

mediumPositive tone

EK-stuh-see

noun

Definition

An overwhelming feeling of great happiness or joyful excitement

Memory hook

EC-STASY: Standing OUTSIDE yourself with joy -- so happy you're beside yourself.

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Word roots

ekstasisstanding outside oneself(Greek)

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Examples

She was in ecstasy when she received the job offer.
The beauty of the sunset filled him with ecstasy.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

She was in ______ when she received the job offer.
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ecstasy

Synonyms

raptureblisseuphoriaelation

Antonyms

miseryagonydespairtorment

Categories

View all Emotion words

GRE Tip

Ecstasy is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "rapture" or "bliss" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "misery".

Read: How to Memorize GRE Words That Actually Stick

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