exhilarating
gb/ɪɡzˈɪlɚˌeɪtɪŋ/ us/ɪɡzˈɪlɚˌeɪtɪŋ/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
very exciting and enjoyable
Very exciting and fun, making you feel full of energy.
Usage pattern:
[an exhilarating] [experience/ride/game/moment]
Common mistake:
Don’t use it for ordinary positive things; it usually suggests strong excitement (often from speed, risk, or adventure).
Synonyms
thrilling (Often highlights excitement mixed with suspense or danger.)
|
exciting (More general; less intense than 'exhilarating'.)
|
electrifying (Suggests a sudden, powerful surge of excitement.)
Antonyms
boring (Not interesting or exciting.)
|
dull (Lacking excitement or energy.)
Collocations
an exhilarating experience
|an exhilarating ride
|an exhilarating game
|an exhilarating performance
|an exhilarating win
|an exhilarating moment
|an exhilarating adventure
|an exhilarating journey
|an exhilarating challenge
|an exhilarating feeling
Themes
emotions
|daily_life
|sports
|travel
|entertainment
Examples
- Paragliding over the coast was an exhilarating experience.
- The team’s last-minute goal made for an exhilarating finish.
- She found public speaking terrifying at first, but eventually exhilarating.
Learner examples
- The roller coaster was exhilarating.
- It was an exhilarating day.
adjective
C1
property
2
invigorating and refreshing
Refreshing and making you feel more awake and energetic.
Usage pattern:
[exhilarating] [air/breeze/cold/walk/swim]
Common mistake:
For physical refreshment, 'exhilarating' is stronger than 'refreshing' and suggests a noticeable boost of energy.
Synonyms
invigorating (Focuses on renewed strength and energy.)
|
refreshing (Weaker; emphasizes pleasant relief rather than excitement.)
|
revitalizing (Suggests restoring energy after tiredness.)
Antonyms
stifling (Oppressively hot or airless, making you uncomfortable.)
|
draining (Making you feel tired rather than energized.)
Collocations
exhilarating air
|exhilarating breeze
|exhilarating cold
|an exhilarating walk
|an exhilarating run
|an exhilarating swim
|exhilarating mountain air
|exhilarating sea air
|an exhilarating morning
|an exhilarating workout
Themes
health
|weather
|nature
|daily_life
Examples
- The crisp autumn air felt exhilarating after the humid summer.
- A quick swim in the cold lake was exhilarating and woke her up instantly.
- He loved the exhilarating rush of cycling downhill in the morning wind.
Learner examples
- The cool air was exhilarating.
- The swim was exhilarating.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exhilarating
IPA
GB/ɪɡzˈɪlɚˌeɪtɪŋ/
US/ɪɡzˈɪlɚˌeɪtɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
ex - hil - ar - at - ing (5 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (hil)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: exhilarating
Word family
Core family
Advanced or less common
exhilaratingly
adverb
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.