Elate: meaning, definitions and examples

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elate

 

[ɪˈleɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

Make (someone) ecstatically happy.

Synonyms

exhilarate, gladden, thrill.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elate

Used when someone is lifted to high spirits or filled with joy, often due to an achievement or unexpected good news.

  • She was elated by the news of her promotion
thrill

Used when someone experiences a sudden feeling of excitement or joy, often due to an event or experience.

  • He was thrilled by the surprise party
exhilarate

Used when something excites someone or makes them extremely happy and energized.

  • The roller coaster ride exhilarated everyone
gladden

Used when something or someone makes another person happy, often in a gentle or kind way.

  • The children's laughter gladdened her heart

Examples of usage

  • She was elated at the news
  • He was elated with his victory
Context #2 | Adjective

feeling

Ecstatically happy.

Synonyms

ecstatic, joyful, overjoyed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
elate

Used to describe a state of high spirits or strong excitement, often when someone has achieved something significant. This word is about lifting someone's mood or spirits.

  • The good news about his promotion elated him.
  • She was elated by the success of her first art exhibition.
joyful

Used to describe a general state of happiness and contentment. This word has a warm, positive connotation, suitable for everyday cheerful moments.

  • The children were joyful playing in the park.
  • It was a joyful reunion with family.
ecstatic

Appropriate when expressing overwhelming happiness or extreme joy, typically in a very energetic and enthusiastic manner.

  • The fans were ecstatic after the team's victory.
  • She was ecstatic when she found out that she got into her dream university.
overjoyed

Describes a very strong level of happiness, often as a reaction to good news or a positive event. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by joy.

  • She was overjoyed when she heard the news of her pregnancy.
  • He was overjoyed to see his friend after many years.

Examples of usage

  • He was in an elated mood after the good news
  • She felt elated to see her friends

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'elatus', which means 'uplifted' or 'raised'.
  • It evolved in Middle English as 'elaten', retaining its meaning of raising spirits.
  • The prefix 'e-' in Latin often means 'out of' or 'away', adding to the sense of upliftment.

Psychology

  • Feeling elated can release endorphins, which are natural chemicals that make us feel good.
  • Elevated mood states are often linked to achieving personal goals or experiencing significant life events.
  • People who experience elation may exhibit increased creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often feel elated after overcoming challenges, emphasizing the theme of triumph.
  • Songs that celebrate happiness and success often use elation to describe feelings of joy.
  • Memorable sports moments, like winning a championship, often lead fans to elate in celebration.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters experience elation during pivotal moments, symbolizing hope and victory.
  • Poets often describe the feeling of elation as a burst of light or color, reflecting a joyful state of being.
  • Elated characters in novels often serve as a contrast to those experiencing despair, highlighting emotional depth.

Science

  • Research indicates that positive emotions like elation can enhance overall health and well-being.
  • Experiencing elation can improve social connections and foster a sense of community.
  • The physiological effects of elation can stimulate the immune system, providing additional health benefits.

Translations

Translations of the word "elate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alegrar

🇮🇳 प्रसन्न करना

🇩🇪 erfreuen

🇮🇩 menggembirakan

🇺🇦 радувати

🇵🇱 cieszyć

🇯🇵 喜ばせる (yorokobaseru)

🇫🇷 réjouir

🇪🇸 alegrar

🇹🇷 sevindirmek

🇰🇷 기쁘게 하다 (gippeuge hada)

🇸🇦 يبهج

🇨🇿 potěšit

🇸🇰 potešiť

🇨🇳 使高兴 (shǐ gāoxìng)

🇸🇮 razveseliti

🇮🇸 gleðja

🇰🇿 қуанышқа бөлеу

🇬🇪 გაახარებს

🇦🇿 sevindirmək

🇲🇽 alegrar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,552 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.