exclaim
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
exclaimsimple
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exclaimssimple
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have exclaimedperfect
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has exclaimedperfect
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are exclaimingprogressive
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am exclaimingprogressive
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is exclaimingprogressive
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have been exclaimingperfect progressive
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has been exclaimingperfect progressive
Past
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exclaimedsimple
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had exclaimedperfect
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was exclaimingprogressive
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were exclaimingprogressive
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had been exclaimingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of exclaim
1560–70; earlier exclame < Latin exclāmāre to cry out. See ex- 1, claim
Explanation
The verb exclaim is from the Latin word exclamare, which means "to cry out." The English meaning is similar, to cry out, but with the added element of a strong emotion such as fear, joy, surprise. In writing, when someone exclaims something, the punctuation mark used to express this vehement outcry is usually the exclamation point: "Stop!" you exclaim when your toddler climbs precariously on a chair stacked with books. "Not in this lifetime!" you cry out when your teenager wants to borrow the new car. You will exclaim "I'm so proud!" when your child graduates college.
Vocabulary lists containing exclaim
Instead of "Said": Words for Upbeat Banter
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The Circuit
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"American Names"
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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.
Exclaim magazine called it "the sound of a once-in-a-generation superstar performing at her peak", while the Guardian described it as "a breath-taking, maximalist tour de force".
From BBC • Feb. 1, 2023
Price: The non-optioned price of the 2014 Kia Soul Exclaim with 18-inch wheels is $20,500, with a dealer’s invoice price of $19,521.
From Washington Post • Feb. 21, 2014
"They're done by people who were not anywhere near Joy Division," he told Exclaim.
From The Guardian • Jul. 5, 2012
Homme isn't part of the reunion, but he has given his blessing: "I think it's awesome that they're doing that," he said in an interview with Exclaim!
From Chicago Tribune • Dec. 1, 2011
Last night at Lady Ramble's rout I heard Sir Henry Gale Exclaim, "Now I propose again——" I started, turning pale; I really thought my time was come, I blushed like any rose; But oh!
From The Book of Humorous Verse by Wells, Carolyn
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.
