effusive
Americanadjective
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unduly demonstrative; lacking reserve.
effusive greetings; an effusive person.
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pouring out; overflowing.
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Geology. extrusive.
adjective
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extravagantly demonstrative of emotion; gushing
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(of rock) formed by the solidification of magma
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of effusive
Explanation
Getting a compliment from your effusive Aunt Sally can be a little embarrassing. Since she's so effusive, Aunt Sally holds nothing back, gushing with enthusiasm. The adjective effusive means "extravagantly demonstrative," and if you know someone who expresses positive emotions in a heartfelt, bubbly way, you understand just what the word means. The word effusive has a surprisingly similar definition in geology; it describes a particular kind of volcanic eruption, one in which lava bubbles up out of the volcano and flows around it.
Vocabulary lists containing effusive
ACT Reading Test: Words to Capture Tone, List 1
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 8
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Regrettably, “Tony” operates in the latter state: all sentiment and little practical truth, different from the ways Bourdain’s effusive, colorful work and writing make people feel when they really dive into it.
From Salon ● Aug. 12, 2026
It then rises more slowly, giving volcanic gases additional time to escape and making a gentler, effusive eruption more likely.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 1, 2026
Raw when he needed storm or battle; extra excited when Valkyries cavorted with horses; effusive when emotion took over senses; tender when morality mattered.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Trump called in with an effusive message.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026
“Is this the right road for Dictionopolis?” asked Milo, a little bowled over by the effusive greeting.
From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
