rapture
RAPT-shuh
Rapture (noun) means a feeling of intense joy or delight, often so strong it feels overwhelming. Example: “She listened to the symphony in complete rapture.”
noun
1
A feeling of intense joy or delight, often so strong it feels overwhelming.
"She listened to the symphony in complete rapture."
"The crowd watched the fireworks in rapture."
2
In some Christian belief, an event in which believers are taken up to heaven.
"The novel imagines what life would be like after the Rapture."
How to use rapture
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOverwhelming happiness, or (capitalized, in Christian theology) believers being taken up to heaven.
Common mistake
Capitalize "Rapture" only when referring to the specific religious event; lowercase "rapture" is just extreme joy.
Common pairings
in rapture
a look of rapture
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like rapture.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- raptures
- Past tense
- raptured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She listened to the symphony in complete _____.
Etymology
From Latin raptura, "a snatching or carrying off" — the same root that gives us "rapid" and "raptor."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for rapture
See all rhymes for rapture →Frequently asked questions
What does “rapture” mean?
The word “rapture” means a feeling of intense joy or delight, often so strong it feels overwhelming. In plain terms, overwhelming happiness, or (capitalized, in Christian theology) believers being taken up to heaven.
How do you pronounce “rapture”?
“Rapture” is pronounced RAPT-shuh (/ˈɹæpt͡ʃɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “rapture” in a sentence?
Here is “rapture” used in a sentence: “She listened to the symphony in complete rapture.”
What part of speech is “rapture”?
“Rapture” is a noun.
Where does the word “rapture” come from?
The word “rapture” comes from Latin. From Latin raptura, "a snatching or carrying off" — the same root that gives us "rapid" and "raptor.".
Is “rapture” a common word?
“Rapture” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “rapture” have?
“Rapture” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a feeling of intense joy or delight, often so strong it feels overwhelming.
