What does excitedly mean?
Excitedly is an adverb that describes performing an action with eagerness, enthusiasm, or heightened emotion. It is formed from the adjective 'excited' plus the adverbial suffix '-ly', and it typically modifies verbs of speech, movement, or reaction — as when someone talks excitedly about plans, runs excitedly toward a surprise, or waits excitedly for news. The word conveys positive energy in most contexts, suggesting anticipation, joy, or keen interest rather than distress, though it can shade toward agitation or restlessness when the surrounding situation warrants it. It appears frequently in narrative writing, journalism, and everyday conversation, where it efficiently communicates both what someone did and the emotional intensity behind it. Its Latin roots — from 'excitare', meaning to rouse or call out — connect it to a broader family of words about stimulation and arousal of feeling. Because it packs emotional color into a single modifier, excitedly remains a useful and vivid choice for writers who want to show enthusiasm through action rather than simply state it.
adverbIn a manner showing eagerness, enthusiasm, or heightened emotion; with excitement.
- With eagerness, enthusiasm, or heightened emotion; in an excited manner.
"The children ran excitedly to the door when they heard the ice cream truck."
"She waved excitedly at her friend across the crowded station."
"The scientists spoke excitedly about their unexpected discovery."
Excitedly is one of those rare adverbs built entirely from a Latin word meaning 'to summon out' — every time you use it, you're literally describing being 'called forth' by something thrilling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of excitedly
Excitedly derives from the verb 'excite', which entered English from Latin 'excitare', meaning 'to rouse, summon out, or stir up', itself formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'citare' (to set in motion). The adjective 'excited' developed from the past participle, and adding '-ly' produced the adverb. Related English words sharing this Latin root include 'excite', 'excitement', and 'excitable'; cognates in Romance languages include French 'exciter' and Spanish 'excitar'.
How excitedly is actually used
Neutral to informal register; common in narrative and everyday speech. Often pairs with verbs of speech or motion (chattered, ran, rushed) to convey animated behavior. Can occasionally carry a hint of breathlessness or agitation depending on context.
Easily confused with excitedly
'Excited' is an adjective describing a person or thing that feels enthusiasm, while 'excitedly' is the adverb describing how an action is performed.