C1adjective2K

Thrilled

UK /["/θrɪld/"]/US /["/θrɪld/"]/

Definition

very excited and pleased

In simple words: Very excited or happy.

Examples

  • ‘Are you pleased?’ ‘I'm thrilled.’
  • He was thrilled at the prospect of seeing them again.
  • I'm really thrilled with the results.
  • I was thrilled to be invited.
  • She was **thrilled to bits** *(= extremely pleased)* that he'd been offered the job.

Usage notes

Use 'thrilled' to express excitement in neutral to positive contexts. Avoid in very formal writing. It's suitable for conversations and informal settings.

Grammar pattern

be + thrilled

Memory hint

Think of being on a thrilling rollercoaster ride – full of excitement!

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • look
  • really
  • absolutely
  • quite
  • at
  • with
  • thrilled to bits
  • thrilled to pieces

Synonyms

  • excited
  • elated
  • overjoyed
  • delighted
  • ecstatic

Antonyms

  • disappointed
  • unhappy
  • bored

Common mistakes

  • 'Thrilled' is sometimes confused with 'excited', but 'thrilled' is stronger.
  • Learners might use 'thrilled' with negative contexts, which sounds odd.
  • Some forget to use 'be' before 'thrilled' (e.g. saying 'I thrilled' instead of 'I am thrilled').