What does rapturous mean?
Rapturous means intensely joyful, delighted, or enthusiastic, often to a degree that seems almost overwhelming. The word can describe a person who is euphoric, a crowd celebrating exuberantly, or a response such as applause or a reception. Its emotional force is greater than that of ordinary words such as happy or pleased, so it is especially appropriate when describing an unmistakable burst of delight or communal excitement. Rapturous is used in both British and American English and appears frequently in literary, journalistic, and formal contexts. It can also suggest being emotionally carried away, a meaning reflected in its history and related forms such as rapture. Because of its intensity, rapturous is best used when the joy or enthusiasm is genuinely striking rather than merely routine or mild.
adjectiveFeeling or expressing intense, overwhelming joy or delight. It describes a person, response, or atmosphere marked by exuberant happiness.
- Intensely joyful, delighted, or enthusiastic.
"The audience burst into rapturous applause when the orchestra began the final movement."
"A rapturous crowd greeted the returning champion."
"Her rapturous expression made the announcement feel like a celebration."
Rapturous comes from the idea of being carried away: its Latin roots evoke a soul seized by an overwhelming emotion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rapturous come from?
Rapturous derives from Latin raptus, meaning seized, carried away, or absorbed, with the sense of being overcome by emotion. It developed in English in the early 17th century from the same root behind rapt, rapture, and related forms. The idea of being carried away also connects it with Latin derivatives such as rapacious and rapid, although their modern meanings have diverged considerably.
Related word forms
How rapturous is actually used
Rapturous is strongly expressive and often literary or formal. It is more common in writing, speeches, and descriptions of enthusiastic public reactions than in everyday neutral conversation.
Easily confused with rapturous
Rapt means completely absorbed or engrossed, whereas rapturous specifically means intensely joyful or delighted.