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to effuse

to effuse

1 8.7
To show feelings openly, like warmth or joy
  • verb
  • /ɪˈfjuz/
translation icon : efundir
  • While Obama effused confidence in his plan and maintained a calm demeanor, there was something listless about his movements all night.

Examples

  • Dave recognized, but about half the people in this room seemed thrilled to see him, effusing all over him and calling him "Master" Jeffries.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • "God bless you," one woman effused, rushing up to give him a big hug.

    Blog text (2)
  • But was it appropriate to effuse about her fantastic children, about her personal happiness and fulfillment, on a public web page?

    Blog text (19)
  • Mr. Alley has effused about your act to me on any number of occasions.

  • More often than not, they have a merry time, in spite of Papa's mistress and Maman's reluctance to effuse.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • What does remain is its daunting presence: a megalith of solid granite that still effuses the spirit of the long-vanished king it commemorates.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Tribe member Kyle McCormick, CC '14, effuses, "this is the luckiest I've ever been, it's the most talented group of people."

    Blog text (15)
  • Pelini is also appreciative of the effort put forth by Nebraska's collection of seniors, and with this being their final game at Memorial Stadium, he effused praise upon them.

    Blog text (18)
  • After receiving her award, she effused her gratitude to everyone who supported her during the journey.

  • The artist effused joy as she shared her latest works with the audience at the gallery opening.

Synonyms

to spout
vsto effuse
  • Informal
63 5.2

To speak loudly and excitedly for a long time without much thought

is more gently abundant and sincere rather than loud or careless
to express feelings
vsto effuse
38 3.4

Show or say your emotions to other people

emphasizes abundant, free showing rather than any simple communication
to pour out
vsto effuse
  • Informal
33 3.9

To tell someone your feelings and thoughts freely

is broader, covering abundant showing of feelings in any way
to exude
vsto effuse
27 6.4

Show a strong, clear feeling or quality

is more about abundant outward showing rather than steady mood display
to pour one's heart out
vsto effuse
  • Informal
8 6.4

Talk openly about your deepest feelings when you feel upset

is broader and can include open showing without speaking
to express emotion
vsto effuse
2 3.4

Show your feelings with words, actions, or your face

focuses on plentiful, free expression rather than neutral showing
to give vent
vsto effuse
1 6.5

To express strong feelings such as anger or sadness

expresses feelings abundantly rather than mainly aiming to relieve them
to outpour
vsto effuse
6.5

To express strong feelings openly and suddenly

is not only sudden but can be steady, abundant expression
to unbridle emotion
vsto effuse
7.3

To show strong feelings openly without holding them back

focuses on abundant expression but not specifically on removing restraint
to unbridle passion
vsto effuse
7.2

Show strong feelings openly without holding back

covers general abundant emotion, not only powerful enthusiasm

Antonyms

176 4.8

To stop public protest by force or by people in power

75 6.6

Keep strong feelings or memories from coming into the mind

How Expressive

gush
2 5.9
to effuse
1 8.7
to express
2.3
to show
1.0
to hide
1.0

Surface Forms

effuse infinitive
effused past
effused past participle
effusing present participle
effuses third person singular

Morphology

effuse = fuse (semi-transparent) = ef + fuse

The morphological pieces ef- + fuse are identifiable, but the emotional sense ('pour out' feelings) is a metaphorical extension from an older sense of 'fuse', so learners may only partially infer the meaning.

Etymology

Effuse also keeps the same picture from Latin ef- 'out' and fundere 'to pour'. So, to effuse feelings is to 'pour out' your emotions or let them flow freely, like a scent that fills a room.