5

He was very effusive in his praise of the features.

The definition on wordnik shows a lot of words that gives me the feeling that effusive has a negative connotation:

  • unrestrained
  • excessive
  • extravagant

And the related meaning of a volcanic rock that is pouring heightens that feeling.

Is effusive a negative word or can it express positive connotation, too? Does the connotation change if I replace effusive with gushy?

Improve this question
1
  • 1
    Unrestrained and extravagant are not negative except when context make them so. Excessive is the only one of your three synonyms with a built-in criticism.
    – MetaEd
    Commented Jan 31, 2012 at 14:45

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
1

No. Effusive is not negative, it has a positive connotation to it. 'He was very effusive in his praise of the features.' is fine.

effusive
adjective demonstrative, enthusiastic, lavish, extravagant, overflowing, gushing, exuberant, expansive, ebullient, free-flowing, unrestrained, talkative, fulsome, profuse, unreserved
He was effusive in his praise of the General.

Also, This ngram for effusive in his praise and effusive praise shows the expressions are on well-trodden territory: enter image description here

Improve this answer
3
5

Personally, I've never seen "effusive" used negatively. "Gushy", on the other hand, has always implied that it's too much.

Improve this answer
3
  • Yes, too much to be positive even.
    – Kris
    Commented Jan 31, 2012 at 14:24
  • perfectly put -- effusive is positive. "gushy" say is when you go too far! i'm effusive on this answer!
    – Fattie
    Commented Oct 12, 2014 at 15:06
  • effusive - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/effusive Getting a compliment from your effusive Aunt Sally can be a little embarrassing. Since she's so effusive, Aunt Sally holds nothing back, gushing with enthusiasm.
    – James
    Commented Oct 19, 2017 at 1:22

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.