Euphoria Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌjuːfəˈɹiə/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A state of intense happiness or excitement, often characterized by a feeling of being utterly carefree and joyful.

Examples

1. “The excitement of going on a rollercoaster ride induced an intense euphoria in the kid.”

2. “Her euphoria after winning the championship game was infectious, and her team celebrated with her.”

Synonyms

1. Elation

2. Exhilaration

3. Thrill

Antonyms

1. Despair

2. Melancholy

3. Numbness

Additional Information

Euphoria can be induced by various factors, such as winning a competition, achieving a personal goal, or experiencing a new sensation like love or creative fulfillment.

The state of euphoria is often associated with increased activity in the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins.

However, excessive or prolonged euphoria can be a symptom of an underlying mental health issue, and seeking professional help is essential to address potential concerns.

Euphoria can also be a cultural and artistic theme, inspiring works such as films, literature, and music that explore the human experience of intense happiness and joy.

Some famous examples of euphoria in literature and art include the works of William Golding, whose novel “The Lord of the Flies” explores the darker aspects of human euphoria, and Emily Brontë’s classic novel “Wuthering Heights,” which captures the intense emotional highs and lows of the main characters.

Etymology

The word “euphoria” comes from the Greek words “eu” meaning “good” and “phoros” meaning “bearing” or “carrying,” originally referring to a good or healthy condition.

Over time, the term evolved to describe a state of intense happiness or joyful excitement.

It’s believed that the word was first introduced into English in the 17th century, from the Greek through Latin translations.

In the 20th century, the term gained popularity, particularly in the fields of psychology and philosophy, where it’s used to describe the psychological state of intense happiness or elation.

Usage Notes

The word “euphoria” is typically used to describe a state of intense happiness or excitement, and it’s often used in more formal or technical contexts, such as psychology or philosophy.

However, in popular culture, the term has been used in various contexts, including as a metaphor for a general sense of well-being or a joyful experience.

It’s worth noting that the word can be used as an adjective to describe a feeling or state, as well as a noun to describe the actual experience.

Examples of correct usage include: “She experienced a euphoric feeling when hearing the news” and “The music inspired a sense of euphoria in the crowd.”

Cultural References

The term “euphoria” has been used in various contexts in popular culture, including:

Music: In the song “Euphoria” by Loreen, the term is used to describe a state of intense excitement and happiness.

Film: In the movie “Euphoria” (1980), the term is used to describe a state of intense happiness and excitement experienced by the main character.

Literature: In the novel “The Joy Luck Club” by Amy Tan, the term is used to describe a state of intense happiness and joy felt by the main character.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “euphoria” include:

“In a state of euphoria” – used to describe a person’s emotional state, often feeling extremely happy or excited.

“Euphoric feelings” – used to describe intense feelings of happiness or excitement.

“On cloud nine” – a phrase used to describe being in a state of intense happiness or euphoria.

Collocations

Some common word combinations with “euphoria” include:

Euphoric feeling

State of euphoria

Hundreds of birds flying in euphoria

The park was filled with couples in euphoria

Frequency of Use

The word “euphoria” is a relatively rare word in everyday conversation, but it’s commonly used in psychological, philosophical, and artistic contexts.

According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English, the word has become more popular in recent years, with a significant increase in usage since the 1990s.

While it’s not a frequently used word in conversation, it’s an important term in various fields and can add nuance to writing and speaking about intense happiness and excitement.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of “euphoria” include:

euforia

euuforria

euphoris