essere in estasi

/ˈɛs.se.re in eˈsta.zi/◆idiom
to be ecstatic

Quando ha vinto il premio, è stato in estasi per giorni.

When he won the prize, he was ecstatic for days.

◆ What It Really Means
To experience overwhelming joy or awe, often to the point of losing one's composure. It conveys a state of being emotionally transported by something beautiful, impressive, or deeply moving.
Literal Meaning
To be in a state of ecstasy
Literal Breakdown
essereto be+inin+estasiecstasy
◇ Mental Image
Imagine someone so overwhelmed by emotion that they feel lifted out of their normal state, as if floating in a blissful trance.
◈ When to Use
A music lover attending a concert by their favorite artist, unable to contain their excitement and awe throughout the performance.
◉ Cultural Note
The term 'estasi' in Italian carries a poetic and emotional weight, often used in artistic and romantic contexts. It reflects Italy's cultural emphasis on emotional expression and appreciation of beauty.
literary

to be in a state of intense joy or rapture, often due to overwhelming emotion or admiration

Gli spettatori erano in estasi dopo il concerto.

The audience was in ecstasy after the concert.

Quando ha visto il mare per la prima volta, è rimasto in estasi.

When he saw the sea for the first time, he was left in awe.

Often used to describe a profound emotional reaction, not just temporary happiness.

Related Phrases

andare in estasiidiom
to go into raptures
perdere la testa per qualcosaidiom
to lose one's head over something

Pro Tip

Avoid literal translation

Do not translate 'essere in estasi' as 'to be in ecstasy' in all contexts. In Italian, it can describe any intense positive emotion, not just the clinical or religious sense of 'ecstasy.'

Gold Rule

Context matters

Use 'essere in estasi' for reactions to art, music, or personal milestones. For everyday joy, simpler phrases like 'sono felice' (I'm happy) may be more natural.

Word Origin

From Latin 'extasis' (ecstasy), via Greek 'ἔκστασις' (ekstasis, 'standing outside oneself'). The phrase combines 'essere' (to be) with the borrowed term 'estasi' (ecstasy), reflecting a state of being beyond normal emotional bounds.

Usage Notes

Common in both literary and everyday contexts, especially when describing reactions to art, music, or personal achievements. Often implies a temporary, intense emotional state rather than a sustained feeling.

Word Breakdown

essere
to be
verb
+
in
in
preposition
+
estasi
ecstasy
noun
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese
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