Words / B2

ik-SKLAYM/ɪkˈskleɪm/

To exclaim is to say something suddenly and loudly, often from surprise or anger: exclaim that; exclaim at. An exclamation is the noun; cry out is everyday; shout is louder and less specific. Quote what the character exclaimed, then the line number. Mix-up: exclaim vs explain; proclaim; do not write exclaim for a calm reported statement with no suddenness in the source.

Meaning

To say something suddenly and loudly, often from surprise or anger.

Examples

• “Quote what the character exclaimed, then the line number, the literature paper said.”
• “The crowd exclaimed at the result, which is the public-reaction sense — still name the score or the vote.”

Good to know

exclaim that / at; an exclamation. Close: cry out / shout. Trap: explain / proclaim / a calm report. Literature and news. A sudden loud remark — quote the words.

Near in meaning

cry out, call out, blurt

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