Thrilling
/ˈθrɪlɪŋ/
adjectiveB2present participle used as adjective
Definition
Thrilling describes something that causes a strong feeling of excitement or joy. It can also mean something that makes you feel a little scared but happy at the same time, like a fun adventure or an exciting event.
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See It in Action
Causing excitement or strong emotion
- •The movie was so thrilling that I couldn’t look away.
- •She told a thrilling story about her trip to the mountains.
- •The game had a thrilling finish with a last-minute goal.
Causing a mix of excitement and fear
- •Riding the roller coaster was thrilling but a little scary.
- •The thrilling sound of thunder made the night more exciting.
- •Skydiving is a thrilling experience for many people.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "thrilling" like "exciting" (A2 word), but more powerful and intense—it makes your body react strongly
- ✓Picture riding a fast roller coaster that makes your stomach feel funny and your heart beat fast
- ✓It's the feeling you get when watching a very good movie or playing a game that keeps you on the edge of your seat
- ✓Sounds like "THRILL-ing" → imagine a small thrill (a quick, strong feeling) that keeps going and growing
- ✓Think of a story where a hero escapes danger at the last second—that moment is thrilling
- ✓NOT like "boring" (no excitement), thrilling is full of energy and surprises
- ✓NOT like "scary" alone—thrilling can include fear but also fun and happiness mixed together
- ✓NOT like "calm" or "peaceful"—thrilling is active and makes you feel alive
Try Other Words
- •Exciting: causing strong interest or happiness (Use when the feeling is strong but not very intense or scary)
- •Exhilarating: very exciting and making you feel very happy and alive (Use when the excitement is very strong and energetic)
- •Scary: causing fear (Use when the feeling is mostly fear, not happiness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "thrill" (a sudden strong feeling of excitement) + "-ing" (makes it an adjective describing something causing that feeling)
- •Etymology: "thrill" comes from Old English "thrylian," meaning to pierce or pierce through, later meaning a strong feeling
- •Historical development: The word "thrill" began as a verb meaning to pierce, then changed to mean a strong emotion in the 1500s; "thrilling" as adjective describes things that cause that emotion
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe movies, stories, sports, or experiences that cause strong excitement or fear mixed with joy
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of activities or events do you find thrilling, and why do they excite you?
•Can something be thrilling without being scary? How do you tell the difference?
Fill in the blanks
1.The movie was ___ because it kept everyone ___ until the very end.
2.She felt ___ excitement when the roller coaster started ___ down the track.
3.Unlike calm stories, thrilling stories often have ___ moments that surprise the reader.
4.A thrilling experience usually makes your heart ___ faster and your body feel ___.
5.People often choose thrilling adventures because they want to feel ___ and alive.
6.The sound of thunder was thrilling but also made some children feel ___.
7.When a game is thrilling, the players and fans usually feel ___ and very ___ about the result.