Effusive
hardih-FYOO-siv
adjective
Definition
Expressing feelings of gratitude or pleasure in an unrestrained way
Examples
“Her effusive praise embarrassed the modest recipient.”
“The effusive welcome made the visitors feel truly appreciated.”
Categories
GRE Tip
Effusive is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "gushing" or "exuberant" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "restrained".
Related GRE Words
trepidation
A feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen
ennui
A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement
consternation
A feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
sanguine
Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation
rancorous
Characterized by bitterness or resentment
ambivalent
Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something
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