euphoria
euphoria
Pronunciation
/juːˈfɔːriə/
eu - /juː/ A diphthong starting with a "y" sound and gliding to a "oo" sound, similar to "you".
pho - /ˈfɔːr/ An "f" sound followed by a long "or" sound (as in "four") with stress on this syllable.
ri - /ri/ An "r" sound followed by a short "i" sound (as in "rip").
a - /ə/ A schwa sound, a very short, unstressed vowel, similar to the "a" in "about".
Word Form Variations
"Euphoria" itself doesn't have standard plural or other inflected forms in common usage. It's primarily used as an uncountable noun, referring to a state of feeling.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun (Euphoria):
Definition 1: A state of intense happiness and well-being, often accompanied by feelings of excitement, confidence, and invigoration.
Synonyms: ecstasy, elation, bliss, rapture, joy, exhilaration, heaven, paradise
Antonyms: dysphoria, misery, depression, sadness, despair, agony, torment, suffering
Definition 2: A feeling of great pleasure or excitement, sometimes artificially induced by drugs or other stimuli.
Synonyms: high, rush, intoxication, thrill, buzz
Antonyms: comedown, crash, letdown, withdrawal (in the context of drug-induced euphoria)
Adjective (Euphoric):
Definition: Characterized by or experiencing euphoria; intensely happy and excited.
Synonyms: ecstatic, elated, blissful, rapturous, joyful, exhilarated, overjoyed, thrilled
Antonyms: dysphoric, miserable, depressed, sad, unhappy, despondent, gloomy
Related Adverb (Euphorically):
Definition: In a euphoric manner; with intense happiness and excitement.
Synonyms: ecstatically, elatedly, blissfully, rapturously, joyfully, exhilaratedly, excitedly
Antonyms: miserably, sadly, unhappily, despondently, gloomily
Examples of Use
Literature:
"The initial euphoria of victory quickly faded, replaced by the grim reality of the challenges ahead." (This is a hypothetical example, as specific examples from literature are difficult to pinpoint without a large corpus search. However, this sentence structure and sentiment are common in narratives.) Many novels, especially those dealing with war or competition, will use "euphoria" in similar contexts.
News/Online Publications:
"Stocks rallied on Tuesday, fueled by investor euphoria over positive economic data." (Hypothetical example, but financial news frequently uses "euphoria" to describe market sentiment). You'll often see this word in business sections of news websites like Bloomberg, Reuters, or the Wall Street Journal.
"Fans were in a state of euphoria after their team's unexpected win." (This kind of usage is common in sports reporting on sites like ESPN, BBC Sport, etc.)
Entertainment:
(Song lyrics) Many songs, especially pop and electronic dance music, use "euphoria" to describe feelings of love, joy, or excitement. It's difficult to cite a specific example without knowing a particular song, but this is a common theme.
(Movie reviews) "The film's breathtaking visuals and powerful score created a sense of euphoria in the audience." (Hypothetical example, but film critics often use "euphoria" or "euphoric" to describe the emotional impact of a movie).
General Public Discourse:
"I felt a wave of euphoria when I finally received my acceptance letter." (This is a typical way someone might use "euphoria" in everyday conversation, describing a personal experience of intense joy.)
"The atmosphere at the concert was electric, a shared euphoria among the crowd." (This example illustrates how "euphoria" can be used to describe a collective feeling in a group setting.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Euphoria
“True euphoria comes not from escape, but from alignment with purpose.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said euphoria is fleeting, but fulfillment is built.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that love’s first euphoria fades, but its devotion deepens.” (Unknown)
“History shows that euphoria has sparked revolutions—and blinded them.” (Unknown)
“Let discipline guide you when euphoria tries to rewrite your limits.” (Unknown)
“Success brings a moment of euphoria, but legacy comes from consistency.” (Unknown)
“Grief can make even small joys feel like euphoria when they return.” (Unknown)
“A leader must not confuse euphoria with progress.” (Unknown)
“Hope can rise into euphoria when courage takes its place.” (Unknown)
“Beware the euphoria that invites recklessness instead of clarity.” (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "euphoria" comes from Greek roots. It's a combination of two words:
"eu": This means "good" or "well." Think of words like "eulogy" (a good speech) or "euphemism" (a nice way of saying something potentially unpleasant).
"phoria": This relates to "bearing" or "carrying," but in this context, it refers to a state or condition. It's connected to the Greek word "pherein," meaning "to bear" or "carry."
So, put them together, and "euphoria" literally means "a good bearing" or "a well-borne state." It describes a state of feeling good, well, or happy.
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) notes that the first known use of "euphoria" in English was in the early 17th century (around the 1600s). Initially, it was used in a medical context to describe a feeling of well-being, sometimes specifically related to the effects of certain substances. Over time, its meaning broadened to encompass the more general sense of intense happiness and excitement that we understand today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Euphoria:
Phrases and Collocations (Common Usage):
"Wave of euphoria": This phrase is frequently used to describe a sudden and intense feeling of happiness. "A wave of euphoria washed over her as she crossed the finish line."
"State of euphoria": This describes a prolonged period of intense happiness. "The team was in a state of euphoria after winning the championship."
"Euphoria swept over him/her": Similar to "wave of euphoria," this emphasizes the sudden and overwhelming nature of the feeling.
Original Examples (Illustrative):
"Euphoria high": This phrase, while not a standard idiom, could be used to describe the peak of a euphoric experience. "He was riding a euphoria high after the concert."
"Chasing euphoria": This could be used metaphorically to describe someone constantly seeking out experiences that bring them intense joy. "He was addicted to the thrill of adventure, always chasing euphoria."
Idioms with Synonyms (For Similar Effect):
Since "euphoria" doesn't have many idioms of its own, we can look at idioms related to its synonyms, like "joy," "bliss," or "ecstasy":
"Over the moon": This idiom means extremely happy. "She was over the moon when she got the job offer." (Relates to joy/happiness)
"On cloud nine": This also means extremely happy. "He's been on cloud nine ever since he met her." (Relates to bliss/happiness)
"Walking on air": This describes feeling very happy and excited. "She was walking on air after their first date." (Relates to elation/excitement)
"Head over heels": This often refers to being in love, but can also describe general excitement and enthusiasm. "They were head over heels for the new house." (Relates to excitement/passion)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of euphoria from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
