rapture
/ˈræp.tʃə/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A feeling of great joy and excitement. It is stronger and more intense than simple happiness.
- She listened in rapture.
- His face showed pure rapture.
- The music filled her with rapture.
- 2.
A state of being so happy or excited that you seem carried away by the feeling. This use is often literary or formal.
- The audience sat in rapture.
- He spoke of the painting in rapture.
- They were lost in rapture.
Adinary Nuance
Rapture is stronger and more emotional than joy or happiness. It suggests a person is almost overwhelmed by delight. Writers choose it for intense, often literary feelings, not everyday mild pleasure. It is more dramatic than delight and more formal than excitement.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- sự ngây ngất
- Spanish
- éxtasis
- Chinese
- 狂喜
- Japanese
- 有頂天
- Korean
- 황홀
Etymology
Rapture came into English in the late 1500s from Latin raptura, from rapere meaning “to seize” or “carry off.” The old idea of being “carried away” still shapes the word today.
Common phrases
in rapturefall into raptureswept with rapturelooked at in rapture
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is rapture a common everyday word?
- It is not very common in daily speech. People use it more in writing, poetry, or formal English.
- What is the difference between rapture and happiness?
- Happiness is general and everyday. Rapture is much stronger and suggests intense, almost overwhelming joy.
- Can I use rapture in business writing?
- Usually no, unless you are writing in a literary or highly emotional style. In business writing, simpler words are better.
- Is rapture positive or negative?
- It is usually positive. It describes strong pleasure, joy, or emotional excitement.