exclaim

ehk-SKLAYM

Exclaim (verb) means to cry out suddenly, usually because of a strong feeling like surprise, pain, or delight. Example: “Watch out!" she exclaimed as the car sped past.”

verb

To cry out suddenly, usually because of a strong feeling like surprise, pain, or delight.

""Watch out!" she exclaimed as the car sped past."

"He exclaimed in disbelief when he saw the final bill."

How to use exclaim

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo blurt something out loudly because of a sudden, strong emotion.

Common mistake

Usually used with a direct quotation, like "said" but with more emotional punch.

Common pairings

exclaim in surprise exclaim loudly

Word forms

exclaimed past tense, exclaims plural, exclaims singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

"Watch out!" she _____ as the car sped past.

Etymology

From Latin exclamare, "to call out" — ex ("out") plus clamare ("to shout").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

ejaculate. See also Thesaurus:shout

Rhymes for exclaim

aim maim claim Chaim acclaim Ephraim reclaim proclaim

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Frequently asked questions

What does “exclaim” mean?

The word “exclaim” means to cry out suddenly, usually because of a strong feeling like surprise, pain, or delight. In plain terms, to blurt something out loudly because of a sudden, strong emotion.

How do you pronounce “exclaim”?

“Exclaim” is pronounced ehk-SKLAYM (/ɛkˈskleɪm/ in IPA).

How do you use “exclaim” in a sentence?

Here is “exclaim” used in a sentence: “"Watch out!" she exclaimed as the car sped past.”

What part of speech is “exclaim”?

“Exclaim” is a verb.

Where does the word “exclaim” come from?

The word “exclaim” comes from Latin. From Latin exclamare, "to call out" — ex ("out") plus clamare ("to shout").

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B2 vocabulary words