Feeling excited and nervous at the same time can be a difficult thing to manage. You might not currently know any words to describe this emotional mix. This article will explore some of the best ways to refer to nervous excitement. The following synonyms are the best:
- Anticipation
- Butterflies in your stomach
- Expectation
- Anxious
- Exhilaration
- Giddiness
- Frisson
- Trepidation
- Thrill
- Elation
- Expectancy
Other words for “nervous excitement” are “anticipation,” “butterflies in your stomach,” and “expectation.” These alternatives are effective to show that you are feeling nervous about something that excites you. It’s common to feel these when going through new changes in life that might frighten you.
1. Anticipation
“Anticipation” is a great example of another word for “nervous excitement.” It shows that you can’t control your nerves about something new happening in your life. You are also excited because something is new, and you don’t know what to expect from it.
“Anticipation” refers to excitement in general. You may add further layers to the meaning if you think it suits the narrative of your writing. It’s great when someone doesn’t know how to handle their own excitement.
The definition of “anticipation,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen in the near future.”
- I’m trembling with anticipation about this new job. I really hope it goes well, but I’m worried it’ll be a disaster!
- She is worried about all of this, but the anticipation is keeping her head in the game. I think she’ll do really well.
2. Butterflies in Your Stomach
“Butterflies in your stomach” is an idiomatic alternative you can use. It refers to a feeling of nerves that is often accompanied by excitement when you’re doing something intimidating.
It almost always refers to positive situations. You can use this idiom when you’re unsure what to expect from a positive thing because you want it to go well. It’s similar to putting pressure on yourself because you want something to be successful, even if it’s out of your control.
The definition of “butterflies in your stomach,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a feeling of being very nervous or frightened about something.”
- I have butterflies in my stomach because I’m meeting her parents today. I don’t know what to do with myself.
- You’re going to have butterflies in your stomach when she comes through that door. You just have to ask her one last time.
3. Expectation
“Expectation” is a great example of how to say “nervous excitement” in a simpler way. It shows that you expect something to happen and might not know how to process your emotions in the build-up to that thing.
It’s great to use this when you have expectations that something might not be all that easy. It shows that you’re nervous about it because you’re not sure how things will go.
The definition of “expectation,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “the feeling of expecting something to happen.”
- I have a lot of expectations about this, and I’m so worried that things won’t go well. Please, help me figure out what to do next.
- My expectation has never been clearer. I feel nervous and excited, and I’m worried about what’s going to come across when I meet them.
4. Anxious
“Anxious” is a good synonym that gives you an idea of what to say instead of “nervous excitement.” “Anxious” doesn’t always refer to excitement, though. You need to be careful using it in some contexts.
It’s best to highlight that someone is “anxious” with excitement when using it. This shows that someone is so excited they’re feeling nervous or worried about what comes next. It’s great to use when someone has made a big change in their life and fears what’s coming.
The definition of “anxious,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “wanting very much for something to happen; eager.”
- I’m very anxious about this job, but I think that’s good. I can’t wait to prove myself and show them I can do it.
- She’s feeling quite anxious about the interview. She’ll do well, but she needs to take a few moments to think it through.
5. Exhilaration
“Exhilaration” is a great synonym showing that you are excited to the point of uncontrollable nerves or panic. You can use it to show that you are very happy about a new change or challenge in your life, even if you’re unsure how it will work out for you.
It’s a great word to show your anticipation for an event or outcome. It suggests that you’re unsure about what comes next, but you’re more than happy to go through with it and see what happens.
The definition of “exhilaration,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “excitement and happiness.”
- Nothing compares to the exhilaration I feel when I’m around you. I’ve never known anyone to be as intriguing as you.
- I’m not sure I can handle this exhilaration. It’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I don’t know what to do with it!
6. Giddiness
“Giddiness” is a great alternative for showing that you are nervous and excited. It shows that you feel silly and excited about something but feel a bit erratic or confused about it at the same time.
This is a great term when someone doesn’t know how to figure out their own emotions. It can be hard to label nervous excitement, but feeling “giddy” is a great way to go about it.
The definition of “giddiness,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a silly, happy, excited feeling that shows in your behaviour.”
- I feel so giddy about this. On the one hand, I’m very excited to see where it goes. On the other hand, I’m terrified of rejection.
- I’m pretty sure his giddiness is a clear sign that he’s interested. You should talk to him to find out where he stands with you.
7. Frisson
“Frisson” suggests that you feel excitement or fear when you think about a new challenge or change in your life. It’s a great word showing that you don’t know what will happen next, but you welcome the new challenge.
It’s not a common word in English. You’ll often hear similar phrases like “thrill” used in its place because it’s more natural for native speakers. Still, “frisson” will definitely impress your friends if you can use it correctly in your writing or speaking.
The definition of “frisson,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a sudden feeling of excitement or fear, especially when you think that something is about to happen.”
- What about all the frisson I’m feeling right now? I’m worried that it’s going to come across to them, and they’ll judge me for it.
- Frisson like this can be a dangerous thing! It might get me a bit too excited, which is never a good idea.
8. Trepidation
“Trepidation” is a great synonym to use here. It shows that you are fearful of something, but you are also eager for it to happen. It’s a common feeling when you’re not sure what comes next because you’ve made a big change in your life.
You should use it when you are feeling an overarching sense of excitement for something. While you might be nervous on the surface, excitement is definitely the more pressing emotion when trepidation is involved.
The definition of “trepidation,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “fear or worry about what is going to happen.”
- I’m trembling from this trepidation! I can’t seem to figure out what I want to do with myself. I just hope things go well.
- He’s experiencing trepidation at the prospect right now. His body is processing all the positives and negatives. Bear with him.
9. Thrill
“Thrill” is a great alternative to show you are experiencing nervous excitement. It suggests you feel really excited about something, but the same thing might also make you nervous.
“Thrill” is a difficult emotion to manage and figure out. It’s hard for people because nervousness and excitement don’t always overlap. Since the two feelings counter each other, it’s difficult to know exactly how to handle a sense of “thrill.”
The definition of “thrill,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a feeling of extreme excitement, usually caused by something pleasant.”
- The thrill of this is almost too much to handle. I don’t know how to look after my emotions when they get in this state.
- There’s a huge thrill surrounding this meeting. The boss wants everyone to present things, and nobody is prepared for that.
10. Elation
“Elation” refers to a state of extreme excitement that might be accompanied by minor nervousness. You should use it to show that you are really excited to take on a new challenge, but you’re not sure how well you’ll do with it.
It’s a great alternative to use in this context. It suggests that you feel happy and excited overall. There might be nerves behind the happiness, but “elation” implies that you’re making the most of your excitement and positive attitude.
The definition of “elation,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a state of extreme happiness or excitement.”
- I’m elated about all of this. I’m very nervous about finding out what I have to do, but a part of me is quite excited to do it.
- This must be what elation feels like. It’s a unique feeling. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt like this before.
11. Expectancy
“Expectancy” is a good choice when showing that something is exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. It suggests that you (or someone else) is experiencing excitement or pleasure at the prospect of a new challenge.
It comes from “expecting” something to happen. You should use it when you expect things to do well, though you are slightly worried about a more negative outcome – which is generally where the nerves come from.
The definition of “expectancy,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “the feeling that something exciting or pleasant is going to happen.”
- The expectancy is high from these people, so you need to deliver the goods. How do you feel about that?
- Expectancy can be a difficult thing to manage. It feels exciting in one instance, but it’s all too easy to feel nervous in another.
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
Here are feelings which to some degree are related:
- The feeling of waking up in a new city for the first time or starting work on a new job.
- The feeling of new love, meeting someone for a date, getting married or having a baby.
- The feeling of imagining what will it be like being in some place or time you have only read or heard about.
I have always felt myself at a loss of words, trying to convey that sort of a feeling precisely. I have to throw in several words to convey the effect: anxious, dreamy, excited, nervous, fresh, overwhelmed and so forth.
In contrast, if I have to describe the sad longing associated with old things, I have a precise term, namely, ‘Nostalgia’.
The closest one word I could think of was ‘Forward-looking’. But I feel, it is a bit too positive. Another word that I would consider is ‘Ambivalent’, but it needn’t necessarily convey the feelings of new beginning. There must be a better word, isn’t it?
p.s.: There are other similar questions like: this or this. So I have tried asking the question in manner, that highlights the different expectations from the answer.
Sometimes you’d like to express just how much you really, really want to do something. In other words, you’d like to express your enthusiasm. Another way to put this is to say that you’re pumped and you want tell to tell the world just how stoked you are about something. Use these phrases to express enthusiasm for something you are doing, or to support someone else.
to be pumped = to be very excited and physically ready to do something
I’m pumped to welcome Mario Stranger to the stage!
Are you pumped for vacation next month?
to be stoked = to be very enthused about something
She’s stoked about her trip to Tahiti next week.
No, I’m not stoked about the test. I hate tests!
Expressing Enthusiasm for Something You are Doing
These expressions are used to express something about your own projects. You can also use these forms to state that someone else is excited about his / her own project. Below you will find expressions to use when supporting or showing your enthusiasm for someone else.
Subject + be + (really, very, quite) excited + about something
Use this form for a special event or opportunity:
I’m very excited about working with Tom on the new project.
I’m quite excited about my new car!
Subject + be + (really) looking forward to something
Use this form when you are anticipating a meeting or other event in the future. This expression is common in business settings:
I’m really looking forward to opening the new store next week.
She’s looking forward to taking some time off work.
Subject + cherish
Use cherish on special occasions as this form is quite strong:
I cherish the time I spend with you.
Jack cherishes every opportunity to speak to a client.
Expressing Enthusiasm with Adjectives
Here is a text full of adjectives that express your enthusiasm for a person, place or thing:
It’s amazing that you’ve come to this site to study English. Just the fact that you found this site shows awesome dedication to learning English. I think you’re an incredible student!
The adjectives amazing, awesome, fantastic, incredible and unbelievable are known as extreme adjectives and express your enthusiasm. Used at the right moment, these adjectives add special emphasis and are used to show enthusiasm and joy. Be careful not to use these too often as they lose their impact when overused. Here are a few examples of appropriate moments to use these adjectives:
Wow, that’s amazing! I’ve never seen a sunset like that before!
Look at that mountain. It’s awesome!
I Can’t Believe It!
The phrase I can’t believe is often used to express something that surprises you in a good way:
I can’t believe how much fun that ride was!
I can’t believe how much I love you!
Expressing Enthusiasm for Someone Else
Here are a number of phrases used to express enthusiasm when we hear someone’s good news.
Subject + be + (so, really, very) happy / excited / delighted + for you / them / him / her
Use these adverbs and adjectives in combination to express happiness for someone:
I’m really delighted for you. Good luck!
She’s so excited for her husband.
Congratulations! / Congratulations on the / your …
You can express enthusiasm for special achievements by beginning with congratulations:
Congratulations on your new house!
Congratulations! You must be a proud father!
Subject + must + be + (so, really, very) happy / excited / delighted
Use the modal verb of probability must to express your belief that what you say about someone else is true:
You must be so excited!
She must have been thrilled!
That’s great / fantastic / wonderful!
When someone shares their enthusiasm they expect you to react to their good news. Here are some phrases to help you spread the joy:
Your wife is pregnant. That’s fantastic!
That’s great! You should be proud of yourself.
I’m (so, very, really) happy for you.
Use this phrase to express that you truly wish someone the best:
I’m really happy for you. I’m sure you’ll be great at your new job.
I’m so happy for you and your husband. Would you like a boy or a girl?
You deserve it!
Use this phrase to express joy when someone has worked hard for an achievement. You deserve it is also used to say that someone deserves a special gift or consideration.
I heard about your new job. Congratulations! You deserve it.
Let’s go out to dinner. You deserve it.
At Work
Here is a dialog that might take place at work. Two colleagues are speaking, so they feel comfortable sharing their joy. Notice how each expression of enthusiasm is used. Practice this dialog with a friend or classmate. You can raise your voice to show your enthusiasm.
Colleague 1: Hi Tom. Do you have a moment?
Colleague 2: Sure, what’s up?
Colleague 1: I’m really stoked about the new project.
Colleague 2: Why’s that?
Colleague 1: I’m really excited about the opportunity. If things go well with this, who knows what will happen!
Colleague 2: I’m really happy for you. I’m sure you’ll do a great job!
Colleague 1: Thanks. I hope so.
Colleague 2: Of course, you must be very proud of yourself.
Colleague 1: Yes, to tell you the truth, this is something I’ve wanted for a while.
Colleague 2: Well, you deserve it!
Colleague 1: Thanks. I appreciate it.
Colleague 2: My pleasure.
Between Friends
It’s always great to share your enthusiasm with those close to you. Here’s a dialog to share with your friends:
George: Doug, Doug!! Annie’s pregnant!
Doug: That’s fantastic! Congratulations!
George: Thanks. I can’t believe we’re going to have another baby!!
Doug: Do you know the sex?
George: No, we want it to be a surprise.
Doug: Really, I’d want to know so I could buy all the right stuff.
George: You have a point. Maybe we should find out.
Doug: In any case, I’m really, really happy for your two.
George: Thanks. I just had to share the good news.
Doug: Let’s go get a beer to celebrate!
George: That’s a good idea!
Doug: My treat.
Expressing enthusiasm is just one of many language functions. This is the opposite of expressing sadness and calls for very positive words. Learning language functions can help you learn specific vocabulary for specific situations.
Today, you’re going to learn 41 positive emotion adjectives and idioms to describe happy emotions. For more positive English words, check out 59 Positive Personality Adjectives!
Do you ever find yourself saying this:
“I’m so happy. I mean … I’m really, really happy. This makes me so happy. I’m happy — are you happy? I’m happy!”
It sounds like you need some synonyms for “happy.”
Today, I’m going to show you how to stop repeating yourself when you’re talking about positive feelings.
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to stop repeating yourself when you want to say that you’re feeling:
- Happy
- Excited
- Surprised
- Interested
- Satisfied
- Emotional
- Relaxed
So let’s get started.
More Words for “Happy”
Pleased — This word means between “happy” and “satisfied.” Very often, you’re pleased with a particular thing. Like your exam results. Or the hippo dancing.
Cheerful — This is when someone is visibly happy. They walk into the room, and you can see it in the way they walk, what they say and the massive smile on their face.
Exuberant — This is like cheerful — but even stronger.
Euphoric — When you’re intensely happy. This is when all you can feel is your own happiness. It really is a very strong feeling.
Merry — This is a little like cheerful. Usually, when you’re feeling merry, you might be in quite a playful mood as well. We often associate this with how you feel after a couple of glasses of wine.
Overjoyed — This simply means “very happy.”
Elated — Somewhere between “happy” and “overjoyed.”
Glad — “Glad” is similar to “pleased.” Usually, you’re glad about something in particular. Like the wonderful news. Or the football result.
Bonus Idioms — Happy
Actually, there are quite a few idioms to describe being happy. Here are some of the more common ones:
On cloud nine
On top of the world
In high spirits
As happy as Larry
You may have noticed that most of these refer to being somewhere high up. Which makes sense, right?
The Larry idiom? Well, that doesn’t make sense. I mean — who’s Larry, and why’s he so happy?
Ah… English!
Words for “Happy” on a Scale
At the top: you’ve just won the lottery, and your doctor has told you that you have a genetic condition that means you can NEVER put on weight.
At the bottom: you’re at the supermarket, and you’ve found a till with no queue.
2. Excited
Take a look at this picture. How would you describe her?
How many words did you find?
Here are some more!
More Words for “Excited”
Click to listen
Thrilled — This just means “very excited.” You can also use it to mean “happy,” like, “We’re thrilled you’re going to come and visit us at our ant factory.”
Charged — Imagine you’re about to do a parachute jump. How do you feel? This is like “excited” but has more adrenaline. More tension.
Pumped — “Pumped” is kind of similar to “charged.” You’re excited AND ready for an intense situation, like a dangerous mountain biking trail or a heavy game of kangaroo wrestling.
Words for “Excited” on a Scale
Because some words are just too strong for some situations and others are just too weak, I’m going to add a scale for each word in this lesson.
The scale ranges from “going to a new cafe” (not very exciting… but kind of exciting. A bit) to “preparing to fight a massive bear” (so exciting that it’s kind of terrifying).
So the “red zone” is something you might want to avoid unless your lifestyle is pretty extreme.
3. Surprised
Yes! You guessed it! She’s surprised!
More Words for “Surprised”
Astonished — Just “very surprised”
Astounded — I’d say that this is even stronger than “astonished.” It’s got an element of shock. Maybe you look a bit like this:
via GIPHY
Amazed — You probably already know this one. It’s like “surprised,” but there’s an air of magic to it. Like that time when you first saw a unicorn. What? You haven’t seen a unicorn yet? Well … you’ll be amazed.
Startled — This can be a bit negative sometimes. “Startled” has a feeling of shock and even alarm to it. I always think of that feeling when you’re at home, and you think no one is there. You go to the kitchen for a cup of tea, and you see your flatmate there. You thought she was out, right? How do you feel? Startled!
Taken aback — This is usually a bit more negative as well. Again, it’s on that line between “shocked” and “surprised.”
Dumbstruck — Very, very surprised. Maybe so surprised that you can’t speak.
Bonus Idiom — “Surprised”
My jaw dropped — This is about the same as “astounded.”
We also have the adjective “jaw-dropping.” Like, “Did you see that magician? Absolutely jaw-dropping! I mean … how did she make your wallet disappear completely? And then run away? Amazing!”
Words for “Surprised” on a Scale
Again — we’re going from “weak surprise” to “strong surprise.”
Weak surprise is when your friend has a new hat.
Strong surprise is when you get home, and your house is suddenly a zebra.
4. Interested
OK. How does he feel?
How many words can you use?
Here are some more!
More Words for “Interested”
Captivated — You know that feeling when you can’t stop looking at something? Like that perfect musical performance. Or one of those films that you watch, and you can never really understand what’s happening. But you just keep watching. Because you’re interested — or “captivated.”
Fascinated — Very interested
Absorbed — This is when you’re completely “stuck inside” something. Have you ever had that feeling when you’ve been so interested in a book you’re reading that you miss your bus stop? That — exactly that — is “absorbed.”
Engrossed — This is basically the same as absorbed.
Bonus Idiom — Interested
On the edge of your seat — When you’re just really interested in what’s happening. I always imagine sitting in the cinema, so interested in the film I’m watching that I’m literally sitting on the (front) edge of my seat.
Words for “Interested” on a Scale
Weak interest is when your best friend wants to tell you about their job interview. It’s kind of interesting because it’s your friend. Even though the interview itself isn’t interesting.
Strong interest is that film. We all have one of those films. It’s that film.
5. Satisfied
Oooh… You’ve got what you want, and it feels good!
But how many words can you use to describe it?
More Words for “Satisfied”
Fulfilled — That special feeling you get from being satisfied with your life — maybe it’s work; maybe it’s family; maybe it’s helping homeless rabbits.
Gratified — This is more or less the same as “satisfied.”
Satiated — We usually use it to describe feeling satisfied after a meal.
Words for “Satisfied” on a Scale
At the top, we have “completing a 5-year degree course.”
At the bottom, we have that feeling after a good cup of tea.
You may have noticed that there’s no “red zone” here. Well, it seems we don’t have many common words meaning “extremely satisfied.”
6. Emotional
We all get that feeling sometimes, right? When our feelings and emotions take over.
Sometimes, it can feel great, can’t it?
More Words for “Emotional”
Moved — It simply means “emotionally affected.” For example, when we watch a powerful drama, or when someone buys us flowers unexpectedly.
Overwhelmed — This is when something gets too much for us. Have you ever suddenly started crying with happiness when you weren’t expecting it? You could say you were overwhelmed with emotion. This can be used for negative situations as well as positive ones.
Overcome — It’s basically the same as “overwhelmed.”
Impassioned — This is another way of saying “very emotional.”
Words for “Emotional” on a Scale
Low-level emotional is when your favourite TV show is doing a double-length episode this week.
And high-level emotional is “everyone you’ve ever met has decided to throw a party for you and tell you how awesome you are.” (Hmmm… maybe that’s a bit creepy, but you get the idea!)
7. Relaxed
Oh, yeah. That’s the life.
OK. This is the last one. Before you read on … how many words do you know for relaxed?
More Words for “Relaxed”
Chilled out — You’re by the pool. You’ve got your favourite cocktail in your hand. There are no kids anywhere. You can hear the waves of the sea hitting the beach nearby. How do feel? Yep. Me too.
Calm — This one means relaxed, but it also means “not stressed” or “not angry.”
Soothed — If “calm” means “not angry/stressed,” then “soothed” means “not angry/stressed anymore.” In order to be “soothed,” you need to be angry/stressed first. Then you see the cat video, and you calm down.
Content — You know that feeling when you feel very happy with your life. Sure, you could have a bit more money, and maybe life would be a bit better if that guy in the office didn’t sing so much. But generally speaking, you’re happy and (this is the important part) you don’t want anything more. Everything’s fine the way it is. That’s “content.”
Tranquil — Remember the feeling you had by the pool? Now be 10 times more relaxed. Now you’re tranquil. Congratulations!
Serene — This one is more or less the same as “tranquil.”
Composed — You know that guy who’s always really calm, but not in that pool-side way — more in that focused, dynamic way? You could tell him that there was a bomb in his trousers, and instead of panicking, he’d just figure out a way to control the situation. Never panics, never gets emotional … He’s composed.
Words for “Relaxed” on a Scale
Super relaxed is when you’ve actually just left your body.
Mildly relaxed is when you thought you had to wash a few plates. But it looks like someone else has already done it.
So now you can talk about your feelings with these positive emotion adjectives. Good work!
But I want to make sure you’ve understood these well.
So, in the comments below, can you tell me about a time when you felt thrilled, on the edge of your seat or merry?
I’d love to hear your stories!
Did you find this useful? Do you know any people (or dolphins) that might also benefit from this? Then BE AWESOME AND SHARE! Spread the knowledge!
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Excited about
To be excited about something means to be feeling or showing happiness and enthusiasm about some thing or event that has happened, is happening, or will happen. If you are excited, you are so happy that you cannot relax, especially because you are thinking about something pleasant that is going to happen to you.
Look at the examples:
I am very excited about this book.
I’m so excited about the trip!
We’re really excited about him and look forward to working with him in the future.
Nobody at that company is excited about my recording career.
This makes me excited about the ideas I’ve heard.
He was excited about her joining him on campus.
Instead of using about after excited you can also use by. This is especially the case when that something is the cause of the excitement.
In the following examples replacing «by» with «about» is not correct:
Hydrogen can also be excited by heat or electricity.
Atoms can be excited by a number of different mechanisms.
A single molecule can absorb and be excited by a single photon.
When the subject is something lifeless, it’s obvious that we can’t use excited about since inanimate things cannot think by themselves. However, when it is a living person, or some other thing that we can act as a person, the usage is interchangeable.
But still as you can see from the examples, the usage of excited by suggests the cause of the excitement.
I was excited by my slow journey toward them.
Were you excited by the idea?
I am so excited by your confession.
Some people also use for after excited, but it doesn’t look as something normal if you are referencing to the cause of excitement.
The only contexts in which «for» can be used instead of «about» following excited could is when you are sharing other person’s excitement or if you are speaking about a period of time:
I’m excited for you
That made me excited for the whole game.
This little 1 minute 30 second intro song got me excited for the rest of the tracks.