ecstatically

Ecstatically is an adverb describing an action performed in an ecstatic, or intensely joyful, manner. It conveys a sense of overwhelming delight, rapture, or excitement that is outwardly visible in behavior or expression.

Lexically, ecstatically is derived from the adjective ecstatic, which traces back to the Latin ecstaticus and ultimately to the Greek ekstasis, meaning a standing outside oneself or a state of aroused emotion.

Usage notes: ecstatically is most commonly used to describe reactions to events, performances, or experiences. For example, "The crowd cheered ecstatically as the team scored" or "She waved ecstatically at her friends." In formal writing, ecstatically can be considered florid, and alternatives such as "enthusiastically" or "with great joy" may be preferred depending on tone.

Related terms include the adjective ecstatic and the noun ecstasy. The adverb is part of a family of words used to express heightened emotion, but it should be used judiciously to avoid melodrama in neutral prose. See also: ecstatic; ecstasy.