Ecstatic

/ɛkˈstætɪk/ adjective

Definition

Extremely happy or excited.

Etymology

From Greek 'ekstatikos' meaning 'disposed to standing outside oneself', via Latin and French. It shares the same root as 'ecstasy', emphasizing being carried beyond normal feelings.

Kelly Says

To be ecstatic is to be pushed past ordinary happiness into a kind of emotional overflow. Interestingly, the same word family is used in religious texts and in everyday sports celebrations.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Like 'ecstasy,' 'ecstatic' has been used in sexualized and religious depictions that often objectify women’s bodies or portray them as irrationally emotional. Such portrayals have reinforced stereotypes about women as more emotional or less rational.

Inclusive Usage

Use 'ecstatic' in ways that respect the agency of the person described and avoid gendered stereotypes about emotional excess.

Inclusive Alternatives

["overjoyed","thrilled","delighted"]

Empowerment Note

When referencing historical 'ecstatic' figures (e.g., mystics, performers), include women whose intellectual and spiritual contributions were overshadowed by sensationalized accounts of their emotions.

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