excite
Definitions
To cause someone to feel very enthusiastic or eager
使兴奋，使激动
To arouse or provoke a feeling, reaction, or response
激起，引起（情绪/反应）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out) + cite (rouse, call forth) = stir feelings out to the surface. Calm emotion is quiet and buried; to excite is to summon it outward until it shows. The same root that calls a witness forth here calls feeling forth.
Root cit still carries 10 more wordsUsage Guide
Master the -ed/-ing split, the classic learner error:
- exciting describes the cause: an exciting game, an exciting idea.
- excited describes the person feeling it: I'm excited about the trip.
Say "I am excited," not "I am exciting" (unless you mean you thrill others). Common pattern: be/get excited about something.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The discovery of the fossil excited scientists around the world.
- 2.
Nothing excites him more than a close football match.
- 3.
The proposal excited a great deal of interest among investors.
Synonym Comparison
- excite — rouse strong eager feeling: the news excited everyone
- thrill — sharper, more intense, often physical: thrilled by the ride
- stimulate — activate or spur on, often the mind/economy: stimulate growth
- arouse — awaken a dormant feeling or suspicion: arouse curiosity
- provoke — trigger a reaction, often negative: provoke anger