English

ecstatically

gb/ɪkstˈætɪkli/ us/ɪkstˈætɪkli/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adverb C1 property
1

with great joy and excitement

in a very happy and excited way

Usage pattern: [someone] [verb] ecstatically; ecstatically + [adjective]
Common mistake:
Do not use it for small happiness; it usually suggests very strong excitement (stronger than 'happily').
Synonyms
delightedly (Often slightly less intense than 'ecstatically'.) | rapturously (More formal and expressive; often used for admiration as well as joy.) | overjoyedly (Focuses on joy rather than excitement; less common in everyday style.)
Antonyms
miserably (Shows extreme unhappiness rather than extreme happiness.) | sadly (Expresses sadness instead of joy.)
Collocations
ecstatically happy |ecstatically pleased |ecstatically excited |ecstatically announce |ecstatically agree |ecstatically accept |ecstatically smile |ecstatically shout |ecstatically celebrate |ecstatically respond
Themes
emotions |daily_life
Examples
  • She read the email and laughed ecstatically.
  • He was ecstatically happy when he got the job offer.
  • The crowd cheered ecstatically as the team lifted the trophy.
Learner examples
  • I was ecstatically happy to see you.
  • She smiled ecstatically.
adverb literary C2 state
2

in a trance-like ecstatic state

in a way that shows a powerful, almost trance-like feeling

Usage pattern: [someone] [verb] ecstatically
Common mistake:
This sense is not just 'very happy'; it suggests being overwhelmed or carried away, and it is more literary.
Synonyms
transportedly (Emphasizes being carried away by emotion; more literary.) | enrapturedly (Highlights deep absorption and pleasure; often quieter than 'ecstatically'.)
Antonyms
coolly (Shows controlled, unemotional behavior rather than being overwhelmed.) | dispassionately (Emphasizes lack of strong emotion.)
Collocations
dance ecstatically |sing ecstatically |chant ecstatically |pray ecstatically |sway ecstatically |move ecstatically |worship ecstatically |listen ecstatically
Themes
emotions |religion_spirituality |arts_culture
Examples
  • The devotees sang ecstatically as the drums grew louder.
  • She moved ecstatically to the music, as if in a trance.
  • The poet described the vision and spoke ecstatically of its beauty.
Learner examples
  • They danced ecstatically to the music.
Grammar
Dictionary form
ecstatically
IPA
GB/ɪkstˈætɪkli/
US/ɪkstˈætɪkli/
Syllables & stress
ec - stat - ic - ally (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (stat)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: ecstatically
  • Plural: ecstaticallies
Word family
Forms
ecstaticallies noun
Core family
ecstatic adjective C1 ecstasy noun C1
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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