Delirous

/dɪˈlɪrəs/ adjective

Definition

Experiencing or characterized by delirium; in a state of wild excitement or mental confusion.

Etymology

From Latin 'delirus', derived from 'delirare' (to rave), with the suffix '-ous' indicating possession of a quality, used in English since the 16th century.

Kelly Says

The shift from 'delirous' meaning 'temporarily insane from fever' to 'deliriously happy' shows how English softens severe terms over time—we've made an illness into a compliment.

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