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B1 adjective #37 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

thrilling

Top 37

At the A1 level, 'thrilling' might be a bit advanced, but you can think of it as a very strong version of 'exciting.' Imagine you are at a party and you are very, very happy and excited. That feeling is what 'thrilling' describes. You can use it for simple things like a fast car or a fun game. Just remember: 'The game is thrilling' (it makes you happy) and 'I am thrilled' (you feel the happiness). It is a word for big feelings. When you see a big firework show, you can say, 'Wow, that is thrilling!' It is more than just 'good' or 'fun.' It is a word that shows you are very impressed and excited by what you are seeing or doing.

For A2 learners, 'thrilling' is a useful word to add variety to your descriptions. Instead of always using 'exciting' or 'very good,' you can use 'thrilling' for activities that involve speed or surprises. For example, 'The roller coaster was thrilling.' It helps you describe your experiences more clearly. You should also start to notice the difference between 'thrilling' (the thing) and 'thrilled' (the person). If you go on a trip and see something amazing, the trip was thrilling, and you were thrilled. It's a great word to use when talking about hobbies, sports, or movies that you really enjoy and that make your heart beat faster.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'thrilling' in both speaking and writing. You can use it to describe plots in books ('a thrilling mystery'), events in sports ('a thrilling match'), or personal news ('a thrilling opportunity'). You understand that 'thrilling' carries a sense of anticipation and intense emotion. You can also start using it with adverbs like 'absolutely' or 'truly' to add emphasis. At this level, you are expected to distinguish 'thrilling' from similar words like 'scary' or 'interesting.' You know that 'thrilling' is specifically about positive or exciting intensity. It's a key word for describing experiences in detail during exams or conversations.

B2 learners can use 'thrilling' to express nuance and sophisticated emotion. You might use it to describe intellectual breakthroughs or complex social situations. For instance, 'The discovery of the new planet was a thrilling moment for the scientific community.' You understand the metaphorical use of the word. You can also use it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'What made the performance so thrilling was the actor's use of silence.' At this level, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'exhilarating' or 'gripping' and choose the one that best fits the context. You use 'thrilling' to create a specific atmosphere in your writing, whether it's a formal report or a creative story.

At the C1 level, you use 'thrilling' with precision and stylistic flair. You recognize its potential for hyperbole or irony in certain contexts. You might use it to describe the 'thrilling uncertainty' of a political election or the 'thrilling complexity' of a piece of classical music. You are adept at using the word in collocations like 'thrilling climax' or 'thrilling prospect.' Your use of the word helps to convey not just excitement, but a deep appreciation for the intensity and quality of an experience. You can also discuss the etymology or the psychological impact of 'thrilling' experiences in a sophisticated manner, using the word as a springboard for deeper analysis.

For C2 speakers, 'thrilling' is a tool for evocative and powerful communication. You use it to capture the 'sublime'—those moments where excitement meets awe. You might use it in literary analysis to describe the 'thrilling pace' of a narrative or in a philosophical discussion about the 'thrilling nature of existence.' You understand the subtle differences between 'thrilling,' 'electrifying,' and 'intoxicating,' and you use them to create rich, multi-layered descriptions. Your mastery of the word allows you to use it in any register, from the most formal academic paper to the most casual conversation, always with the perfect tone and impact. You use 'thrilling' to inspire and engage your audience at the highest level.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

thrilling en 30 secondes

Thrilling describes something that causes intense excitement, happiness, and a sense of anticipation, often leading to a physical reaction like a racing heart.
It is commonly used for movies, sports, adventures, and significant life events that stand out from the ordinary due to their high energy.
The word is an -ing adjective, meaning it describes the cause of the feeling, whereas 'thrilled' describes the person experiencing the emotion.
Synonyms include exhilarating, electrifying, and gripping, while antonyms include boring, dull, and mundane, highlighting its position as a high-intensity positive word.

The word thrilling is an adjective that captures the essence of high-intensity emotion. When we describe something as thrilling, we are not just saying it is 'good' or 'fun'; we are saying it causes a sudden surge of excitement, often accompanied by a physical sensation like a racing heart or a tingling feeling on the skin. It is deeply rooted in the concept of a 'thrill'—a vibration or a shiver of intense feeling. People use this word to describe experiences that are high-stakes, fast-paced, or emotionally charged. For instance, a sports fan might describe a last-minute goal as thrilling because of the suspense and the eventual release of joy. A reader might describe a mystery novel as thrilling because the plot twists keep them on the edge of their seat. The word is versatile but always carries a weight of positive or intense anticipation.

Emotional Intensity: Thrilling implies a level of excitement that is almost overwhelming. It is the difference between a pleasant walk and a sprint through a beautiful forest.
Physical Response: Often associated with adrenaline, 'thrilling' suggests your body is reacting to the stimulus, such as through increased heart rate or rapid breathing.
Contextual Usage: Commonly used in entertainment, sports, and personal achievements to highlight the peak moments of an event.

The final minutes of the championship game were absolutely thrilling, as both teams were tied until the very last second.

In everyday conversation, you might use 'thrilling' to talk about a new job offer, a first date that went exceptionally well, or a travel experience like skydiving. It elevates the conversation from the mundane to the extraordinary. It is important to distinguish 'thrilling' from 'scary.' While both can involve adrenaline, 'thrilling' usually implies a sense of enjoyment or positive stimulation, whereas 'scary' focuses on fear or danger. However, many thrilling activities, like riding a roller coaster, purposefully dance on the line between fear and excitement. This duality is what makes the word so powerful in descriptive writing. It suggests a movement, a pulse, and a life-affirming energy that other adjectives like 'interesting' or 'exciting' sometimes lack.

Watching the rocket launch was a thrilling spectacle that left the entire crowd in awe.

She gave a thrilling performance on stage that earned her a standing ovation.

When writing, consider the 'thrilling' nature of a plot. A thrilling plot is one that moves quickly and keeps the reader guessing. In marketing, products are often described as thrilling to appeal to the consumer's desire for adventure and novelty. Whether it is a 'thrilling new flavor' or a 'thrilling driving experience,' the goal is to evoke a sense of peak satisfaction and engagement. The word also carries a sense of rarity; if everything were thrilling, nothing would be. Therefore, it is best reserved for those moments that truly stand out from the ordinary flow of life. It is the peak of the mountain, the crescendo of the song, and the climax of the story.

Using 'thrilling' correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective that modifies nouns. It usually precedes the noun it describes or follows a linking verb like 'is,' 'was,' or 'seemed.' Because it is a strong adjective, you don't always need intensifiers like 'very,' though 'absolutely thrilling' or 'truly thrilling' are common collocations that add emphasis. It is most effective when describing events, performances, or experiences that have a clear beginning, middle, and end, or those that involve a high degree of skill or risk.

Modifying Nouns: A thrilling adventure, a thrilling discovery, a thrilling race.
After Linking Verbs: The news was thrilling. The ride seemed thrilling from a distance.

It was thrilling to see the rare bird in its natural habitat for the first time.

One common structural pattern is 'It is thrilling to [verb].' This construction allows you to describe an action as the source of excitement. For example, 'It is thrilling to win a marathon.' Another pattern is 'The [noun] was thrilling,' such as 'The movie was thrilling.' You can also use it to describe people's actions or qualities if they produce excitement in others, such as 'a thrilling speaker' or 'a thrilling athlete.' However, be careful not to confuse it with 'thrilled.' You would say 'The game was thrilling,' but 'I was thrilled by the game.'

The mountain climbers shared a thrilling account of their journey to the summit.

In more formal writing, 'thrilling' can be used to describe intellectual or scientific breakthroughs. A 'thrilling discovery' in physics might change our understanding of the universe. In this context, the word conveys the intellectual excitement and the monumental importance of the find. In creative writing, 'thrilling' is a staple of the thriller genre, where the goal is to keep the reader's heart pounding. By using sensory details alongside the word 'thrilling,' you can create a more vivid picture. Instead of just saying 'the ride was thrilling,' you might say 'the thrilling descent sent a rush of cold air against our faces and made our stomachs drop.'

You will encounter 'thrilling' in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from entertainment media to professional sports and even high-stakes business environments. In the world of cinema and literature, 'thrilling' is perhaps one of the most used adjectives in reviews and promotional materials. Movie trailers often use voice-overs that proclaim a film to be 'the most thrilling ride of the year.' Book jackets use it to entice readers into a fast-paced narrative. When you hear a critic say a performance was thrilling, they are usually referring to an actor's ability to command the stage and evoke strong emotions in the audience.

Sports Commentary: Commentators often use 'thrilling' to describe a close match, a spectacular play, or a dramatic comeback.
Travel and Tourism: Travel brochures use the word to describe adventure activities like bungee jumping, safari tours, or exploring ancient ruins.

'What a thrilling finish to the race!' shouted the announcer as the runners crossed the line.

In news reporting, 'thrilling' might be used to describe a rescue operation or a scientific milestone. For example, a journalist might describe the 'thrilling moment' when a trapped hiker was finally spotted by a helicopter. In a business context, a CEO might describe a new partnership or a successful product launch as 'thrilling' to motivate employees and impress shareholders. It signals growth, success, and a bright future. You will also hear it in social settings when friends share exciting news. If someone tells you they are getting married or moving to a new country, you might respond by saying, 'That sounds absolutely thrilling!'

The documentary provided a thrilling look into the lives of deep-sea explorers.

Furthermore, 'thrilling' is a common word in the world of theme parks and attractions. Roller coasters are designed to be thrilling, and the marketing for these rides focuses heavily on that sensation. You'll see signs and advertisements promising 'the most thrilling experience of your life.' In this context, the word is almost synonymous with 'extreme' or 'intense.' Whether it's the speed, the height, or the unexpected drops, the 'thrilling' aspect is the main selling point. By understanding these different contexts, you can see how 'thrilling' bridges the gap between physical sensation and emotional reaction, making it a staple of the English language for describing anything that gets the heart pumping.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 'thrilling' with 'thrilled.' This is a common issue with many adjective pairs ending in -ing and -ed (like boring/bored or exciting/excited). 'Thrilling' describes the characteristic of a thing or event—it is the cause of the excitement. 'Thrilled' describes the feeling of a person—it is the effect. If you say 'I am thrilling,' you are saying that you are an exciting person who makes others feel thrilled. While this might be true, usually people mean to say 'I am thrilled,' meaning they are feeling very excited about something.

The -ing vs -ed Rule: Use 'thrilling' for the cause (The movie was thrilling). Use 'thrilled' for the person (I was thrilled by the movie).
Overuse: Don't use 'thrilling' for minor things. A good sandwich is 'delicious' or 'nice,' but rarely 'thrilling' unless it's a truly life-changing culinary event.

Incorrect: I felt very thrilling when I won the prize. Correct: I felt very thrilled when I won the prize.

Another mistake is using 'thrilling' when 'scary' or 'frightening' is more appropriate. While a thriller movie is meant to be exciting, if something is purely negative and causes fear without any enjoyment, 'thrilling' is the wrong choice. For example, a car accident is not thrilling; it is terrifying or traumatic. 'Thrilling' almost always has a positive or at least an 'entertaining' connotation. Additionally, some learners use 'thrilling' as a verb, but 'thrill' is the verb form. You can say 'The news thrilled me,' but you cannot say 'The news was thrilling me' as commonly as 'The news was thrilling.'

Incorrect: The ghost story was so thrilling that I couldn't sleep from fear. (Better: terrifying)

Finally, be careful with the intensity of the word. 'Thrilling' is a strong word. If you use it to describe something mundane, like a routine meeting or a standard chore, it can sound sarcastic or hyperbolic. Use it for things that truly deserve the description of 'great excitement.' Overusing strong adjectives can make your writing or speech feel less authentic. Reserve 'thrilling' for the moments that actually make your pulse quicken and your spirits soar. By being mindful of these nuances, you can use the word more accurately and effectively in your communication.

While 'thrilling' is a fantastic word, sometimes you need a synonym to avoid repetition or to capture a slightly different nuance of excitement. 'Exhilarating' is perhaps the closest synonym, often used for physical activities like skiing or flying that make you feel refreshed and energetic. 'Electrifying' suggests a sudden, shocking burst of excitement, often used for live performances or atmosphere. 'Gripping' and 'riveting' are excellent for books or movies that hold your attention so firmly that you cannot look away. 'Breathtaking' is used for things so beautiful or amazing that they literally seem to take your breath away, like a mountain vista or a stunning piece of art.

Thrilling vs. Exhilarating: Thrilling is more general; exhilarating often implies a sense of freedom and physical vitality.
Thrilling vs. Gripping: Thrilling is about the excitement; gripping is about the inability to stop paying attention.

The view from the top of the Eiffel Tower was breathtaking, even more so than the thrilling elevator ride up.

On the other hand, if you want to describe something less intense, you might use 'exciting,' 'interesting,' or 'stimulating.' These words don't carry the same physical 'pulse' as thrilling. If you are looking for more formal alternatives, consider 'sensational' or 'extraordinary.' In a literary context, 'stirring' can be used to describe something that moves the emotions deeply, like a stirring speech. Understanding these alternatives allows you to paint a more precise picture for your audience. For example, a 'thrilling' chase scene is different from a 'gripping' psychological drama, even though both are exciting. One focuses on the action and speed, while the other focuses on the mental tension.

The crowd's energy was electrifying as the band took the stage for their thrilling encore.

Finally, it's helpful to know the opposites. If something is not thrilling, it might be 'dull,' 'boring,' 'mundane,' or 'tedious.' These words describe things that lack excitement or interest. By contrasting 'thrilling' with its antonyms, you can emphasize just how special a thrilling moment really is. Whether you are writing a review, telling a story, or just chatting with friends, having a range of synonyms and antonyms at your disposal will make your English sound more natural and sophisticated. 'Thrilling' remains a cornerstone of descriptive English, perfect for those moments that stand out as the highlights of our lives.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"The discovery represents a thrilling advancement in the field of genetics."

Neutre

"The movie was thrilling and kept us guessing until the end."

Informel

"That ride was so thrilling, I want to go again!"

Child friendly

"The magic show was thrilling and full of surprises!"

Argot

"That game was straight-up thrilling, no cap."

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'nostril' actually comes from the same root! It literally means 'nose-hole' (nos-thril).

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈθrɪl.ɪŋ/

US /ˈθrɪl.ɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: THRILL-ing.

Rime avec

filling killing willing billing chilling drilling grilling milling

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'th' as 's' or 't' (e.g., 'srilling' or 'trilling').
Over-emphasizing the 'g' at the end.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'e' (e.g., 'threlling').
Failing to use the nasal 'ng' sound correctly.
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Common in literature and news, easily understood from context.

Écriture 4/5

Requires distinguishing from 'thrilled' and choosing the right intensity.

Expression orale 3/5

Useful for expressing enthusiasm in daily conversation.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly pronounced and often emphasized in speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

exciting happy fast fun movie

Apprends ensuite

exhilarating gripping riveting suspense adrenaline

Avancé

visceral electrifying breathtaking harrowing intoxicating

Grammaire à connaître

Participial Adjectives (-ing vs -ed)

The movie was thrilling (cause). I was thrilled (feeling).

Adjective Order

A thrilling new action movie.

Intensifiers with Strong Adjectives

Absolutely thrilling (Correct) vs Very thrilling (Common but less precise).

Linking Verbs

The news sounds thrilling.

Infinitive Phrases as Subjects

To win the race was thrilling.

Exemples par niveau

The big red bus is thrilling.

Le grand bus rouge est passionnant.

Simple subject + linking verb + adjective.

I saw a thrilling movie.

J'ai vu un film passionnant.

Adjective before noun.

The game was thrilling!

Le jeu était passionnant !

Past tense of 'to be'.

Is it thrilling?

Est-ce passionnant ?

Question form.

A thrilling ride.

Un tour passionnant.

Noun phrase.

The race is thrilling.

La course est passionnante.

Present tense.

That is thrilling news.

C'est une nouvelle passionnante.

Demonstrative pronoun + adjective + noun.

It was thrilling to run.

C'était passionnant de courir.

It + was + adjective + to-infinitive.

The roller coaster was thrilling and fast.

Les montagnes russes étaient palpitantes et rapides.

Compound adjectives.

We had a thrilling day at the park.

Nous avons passé une journée palpitante au parc.

Past simple tense.

I find soccer very thrilling.

Je trouve le football très palpitant.

Verb 'find' + object + adjective.

The book has a thrilling story.

Le livre a une histoire palpitante.

Adjective modifying 'story'.

It is thrilling to travel to new places.

C'est palpitant de voyager dans de nouveaux endroits.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

The circus was a thrilling show.

Le cirque était un spectacle palpitant.

Noun phrase as complement.

She told us a thrilling tale.

Elle nous a raconté un conte palpitant.

Indirect object + direct object.

The music was loud and thrilling.

La musique était forte et palpitante.

Adjectives connected by 'and'.

The final minutes of the match were absolutely thrilling.

Les dernières minutes du match étaient absolument palpitantes.

Adverb 'absolutely' used for emphasis.

It’s thrilling to think about our upcoming trip.

C'est excitant de penser à notre prochain voyage.

Gerund phrase following 'about'.

She gave a thrilling performance in the lead role.

Elle a donné une performance vibrante dans le rôle principal.

Prepositional phrase 'in the lead role'.

The mystery novel had a thrilling conclusion.

Le roman policier avait une conclusion palpitante.

Adjective modifying 'conclusion'.

We watched a thrilling documentary about space.

Nous avons regardé un documentaire passionnant sur l'espace.

Prepositional phrase 'about space'.

It was thrilling to see the team win after so long.

C'était excitant de voir l'équipe gagner après si longtemps.

Complex infinitive structure.

The mountain bike trail was both difficult and thrilling.

La piste de VTT était à la fois difficile et palpitante.

Correlative conjunction 'both...and'.

I received some thrilling news about my promotion.

J'ai reçu des nouvelles passionnantes concernant ma promotion.

Uncountable noun 'news' with 'some'.

The scientist described the thrilling discovery of a new species.

Le scientifique a décrit la découverte passionnante d'une nouvelle espèce.

Noun phrase with 'of' preposition.

The chase scene in the movie was incredibly thrilling.

La scène de poursuite dans le film était incroyablement palpitante.

Adverb 'incredibly' modifying the adjective.

It is thrilling to witness history being made.

Il est passionnant d'être témoin de l'histoire en marche.

Passive gerund 'being made'.

The orchestra's rendition of the symphony was thrilling.

L'interprétation de la symphonie par l'orchestre était vibrante.

Possessive noun + noun phrase.

He led a thrilling life as a foreign correspondent.

Il a mené une vie trépidante en tant que correspondant à l'étranger.

Prepositional phrase 'as a...'.

The startup's rapid growth has been thrilling to watch.

La croissance rapide de la startup a été passionnante à observer.

Present perfect tense.

She wrote a thrilling account of her travels through Africa.

Elle a écrit un récit passionnant de ses voyages à travers l'Afrique.

Adjective modifying 'account'.

The prospect of a new challenge is always thrilling to him.

La perspective d'un nouveau défi est toujours passionnante pour lui.

Subject + is + always + adjective.

The political thriller provided a thrilling critique of modern society.

Le thriller politique a fourni une critique passionnante de la société moderne.

Adjective used in a socio-political context.

It was thrilling to observe the intricate dance of the celestial bodies.

C'était passionnant d'observer la danse complexe des corps célestes.

Formal vocabulary ('intricate', 'celestial').

The author masterfully maintains a thrilling pace throughout the novel.

L'auteur maintient de main de maître un rythme palpitant tout au long du roman.

Adverb 'masterfully' modifying the verb.

There is something thrilling about the uncertainty of the future.

Il y a quelque chose de passionnant dans l'incertitude de l'avenir.

Indefinite pronoun 'something' + adjective.

The exhibition offers a thrilling glimpse into the artist's creative process.

L'exposition offre un aperçu passionnant du processus créatif de l'artiste.

Metaphorical use of 'glimpse'.

The debate reached a thrilling climax in the final round.

Le débat a atteint un point culminant passionnant lors du dernier tour.

Collocation 'thrilling climax'.

Her thrilling intellect was evident in every word she spoke.

Son intelligence vibrante était évidente dans chaque mot qu'elle prononçait.

Abstract noun 'intellect' modified by 'thrilling'.

The project’s success was a thrilling validation of their hard work.

Le succès du projet a été une validation passionnante de leur dur labeur.

Noun 'validation' modified by 'thrilling'.

The symphony’s finale was a thrilling exploration of dissonance and resolution.

Le final de la symphonie était une exploration vibrante de la dissonance et de la résolution.

Highly formal and technical vocabulary.

He articulated a thrilling vision for the future of urban architecture.

Il a articulé une vision passionnante pour l'avenir de l'architecture urbaine.

Sophisticated verb 'articulated'.

The sheer scale of the achievement was nothing short of thrilling.

L'ampleur même de la réussite n'était rien de moins que passionnante.

Idiomatic expression 'nothing short of'.

The narrative’s thrilling unpredictability is its greatest strength.

L'imprévisibilité palpitante du récit est sa plus grande force.

Possessive narrative + abstract noun.

To witness the thrilling convergence of technology and art was a privilege.

Être témoin de la convergence passionnante de la technologie et de l'art était un privilège.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

The athlete’s thrilling defiance of the odds inspired millions.

Le défi vibrant de l'athlète face aux probabilités a inspiré des millions de personnes.

Abstract noun 'defiance' modified by 'thrilling'.

The book offers a thrillingly subversive take on historical events.

Le livre propose une vision passionnément subversive des événements historiques.

Adverbial form 'thrillingly' modifying another adjective.

The thrilling intensity of the performance left the audience spellbound.

L'intensité vibrante de la performance a laissé le public envoûté.

Complex noun phrase as subject.

Collocations courantes

thrilling experience

thrilling victory

thrilling performance

thrilling discovery

thrilling adventure

thrilling climax

thrilling news

thrilling prospect

thrilling race

thrilling account

Phrases Courantes

absolutely thrilling

truly thrilling

a thrilling ride

thrilling to watch

nothing short of thrilling

a thrilling twist

thrilling potential

thrilling pace

thrilling atmosphere

thrilling challenge

Souvent confondu avec

thrilling vs thrilled

Thrilled is how a person feels; thrilling is what the thing is.

thrilling vs scary

Scary is negative fear; thrilling is positive excitement (though they can overlap).

thrilling vs exciting

Exciting is more general; thrilling is more intense and physical.

Expressions idiomatiques

"thrill of the chase"

The excitement felt when pursuing a goal or a person.

For some, the thrill of the chase is better than the catch.

informal

"thrilled to bits"

Extremely pleased and excited (British English).

She was thrilled to bits with her birthday present.

informal

"thrill of a lifetime"

An experience that is the most exciting of one's life.

Seeing the Northern Lights was the thrill of a lifetime.

neutral

"cheap thrills"

Excitement that is easily obtained but often shallow or risky.

He spent his youth looking for cheap thrills in the city.

informal

"thrilled to pieces"

Extremely excited and happy.

I'm thrilled to pieces that you can come to the wedding.

informal

"give someone a thrill"

To cause someone to feel a sudden surge of excitement.

Winning the lottery gave him a real thrill.

neutral

"a thrill a minute"

Something that is constantly exciting (often used sarcastically).

This documentary on tax law is a thrill a minute.

informal/sarcastic

"go for the thrill"

To do something specifically for the excitement it provides.

He doesn't care about the money; he just goes for the thrill.

neutral

"thrill-seeker"

A person who enjoys taking risks for the sake of excitement.

The bungee jump is perfect for any thrill-seeker.

neutral

"send a thrill through"

To cause a sudden wave of excitement to be felt.

The news sent a thrill through the entire community.

neutral

Facile à confondre

thrilling vs Exhilarating

Both mean very exciting.

Exhilarating often implies a sense of freshness, health, or physical freedom.

A swim in the cold ocean is exhilarating.

thrilling vs Gripping

Both describe exciting stories.

Gripping focuses on the inability to stop paying attention.

The thriller was gripping from page one.

thrilling vs Terrifying

Both involve high adrenaline.

Terrifying is purely about fear; thrilling involves pleasure or excitement.

The car crash was terrifying, not thrilling.

thrilling vs Intense

Both describe strong feelings.

Intense can be positive or negative; thrilling is almost always positive excitement.

The heat was intense, but the race was thrilling.

thrilling vs Breathtaking

Both describe amazing things.

Breathtaking is often used for visual beauty or awe-inspiring scale.

The view of the canyon was breathtaking.

Structures de phrases

The [noun] is thrilling.

The car is thrilling.

I had a thrilling [noun].

I had a thrilling day.

It is thrilling to [verb].

It is thrilling to travel.

The [noun] was absolutely thrilling.

The match was absolutely thrilling.

What made it thrilling was [noun/clause].

What made it thrilling was the unexpected twist.

The thrilling nature of [noun] is [adjective].

The thrilling nature of the discovery is undeniable.

A thrilling [noun] that [verb].

A thrilling story that keeps you guessing.

Found the [noun] to be thrilling.

I found the performance to be thrilling.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in entertainment and sports; medium in academic contexts.

Erreurs courantes

I was thrilling to see you. → I was thrilled to see you.
Use -ed for your own feelings.
The movie was very thrilled. → The movie was very thrilling.
Use -ing to describe the movie.
It was a thrilling accident. → It was a terrifying accident.
Thrilling is usually for positive or entertaining excitement.
I had a thrill day. → I had a thrilling day.
Use the adjective form 'thrilling' to describe the day.
The news was thrilled. → The news was thrilling.
The news is the cause, so it needs -ing.

Astuces

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'thrilling' for every small thing. Save it for the big moments to keep its power.

-ing vs -ed

Always remember: The event is thrilling; the person is thrilled.

Use Synonyms

Try 'exhilarating' for sports and 'gripping' for books to sound more natural.

Add Details

Instead of just saying 'it was thrilling', explain *why* it was thrilling.

Tone of Voice

Say 'thrilling' with energy to match the meaning of the word.

Context Clues

If you hear 'thrilling', expect the speaker to talk about something fast or surprising.

Collocations

Use 'thrilling victory' or 'thrilling discovery' for better flow.

Thriller Genre

Understand that 'thriller' is a specific type of movie or book designed to be thrilling.

The Drill

Remember that a thrill 'drills' through your boredom.

B1/B2 Exams

Use 'thrilling' in your speaking exams to show a higher level of vocabulary.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'THRILL' as a 'DRILL' that pierces through your boredom and makes you feel alive.

Association visuelle

Imagine a roller coaster going down a steep hill with people screaming and laughing.

Word Web

Exciting Fast Intense Adrenaline Surprise Movie Sports Joy

Défi

Try to use 'thrilling' in three different sentences today: one about a movie, one about a sport, and one about a personal goal.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle English word 'thrilen', which meant to pierce or bore through. This came from the Old English 'thyrlian'.

Sens originel : To pierce or make a hole. The emotional sense developed from the idea of being 'pierced' by a sharp emotion.

Germanic (English)

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use 'thrilling' to describe tragic events, as it implies enjoyment.

The word is a staple of Hollywood marketing and sports broadcasting.

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Alfred Hitchcock (The Master of Suspense/Thrillers) The Thrilla in Manila (famous boxing match)

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Movies/Books

thrilling plot
thrilling twist
thrilling climax
thrilling pace

Sports

thrilling finish
thrilling victory
thrilling match
thrilling play

Travel/Adventure

thrilling ride
thrilling experience
thrilling journey
thrilling view

Personal News

thrilling opportunity
thrilling news
thrilling prospect
thrilling development

Science/Discovery

thrilling find
thrilling discovery
thrilling breakthrough
thrilling insight

Amorces de conversation

"What is the most thrilling movie you have ever seen?"

"Have you ever had a thrilling experience while traveling?"

"Do you find extreme sports like skydiving thrilling or scary?"

"What was the most thrilling moment in sports history for you?"

"Can you share some thrilling news that happened to you recently?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a thrilling experience you had and how it made you feel physically.

Write about a thrilling book or movie that you couldn't stop thinking about.

If you could go on any thrilling adventure, where would you go and why?

Reflect on a thrilling discovery you made about yourself or the world.

Is it important to have thrilling moments in life, or is a calm life better?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is almost always positive, describing excitement and pleasure. However, it can describe intense situations that are 'entertaining' even if they are a bit scary.

Only if you mean that you are an exciting person who makes others feel thrilled. If you mean you feel excited, say 'I am thrilled'.

'Thrilling' is more intense. It suggests a physical reaction like a racing heart, while 'exciting' is more general.

Yes, to describe someone who is exciting to watch or listen to, like 'a thrilling performer'.

Yes, especially when describing discoveries, performances, or historical events.

'Absolutely', 'truly', 'incredibly', 'remarkably', and 'utterly' are common.

Yes, it is a very common way to describe a fast-paced book with a lot of action or suspense.

No. A roller coaster is thrilling because it's fun-scary. A real danger is just scary.

The noun form is 'thrill'.

It is a voiceless 'th', like in 'thin' or 'thought'. Your tongue should be between your teeth.