adjective

effusive

ih-FYOO-siv/ɪˈfjuːsɪv/

Expressing warm feelings with great enthusiasm.

The young woman's effusive congratulations include an exuberant embrace.

A young woman gives an exuberant, visibly overflowing congratulatory embrace to an older woman holding a small award, contrasting her expansive delight with the recipient's modest smile.

Etymology

efLatinout

+fusLatinto pour

+iveEnglishtending to

The pieces suggest a tendency to pour outward. First describing profuse flowing, especially of words, effusive came to describe feelings or praise expressed with extravagant openness.

In context

United States Institute of Peace88:39

a huge effusive thanks to our amazing panelists virtual applause for you

Pandemics, Peace, and Justice: Shaping What Comes Next (PeaceCon 2020 Plenary Session)

More examples

His effusive welcome makes every guest feel special.
The coach offers effusive praise after our first win.
My normally reserved sister becomes effusive when she talks about her grandchildren.

Forms

effusive · more effusive · most effusive

effusively adverb — In an openly warm and enthusiastic manner.

effusiveness noun — The quality of expressing warmth with enthusiasm.

Similar words

enthusiastic: Emphasizes strong excitement rather than openly expressed warmth or affection.
warm: Conveys friendliness or affection without necessarily showing great enthusiasm.
demonstrative: Emphasizes openly showing affection, often through gestures or touch.