Elevator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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elevator
[ˈɛlɪveɪtə ]
Definitions
in a building
A platform or compartment housed in a shaft for raising and lowering people or things to different floors or levels.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| elevator |
This term is most commonly used in American English to refer to a mechanical device that moves people or goods vertically between floors in a building.
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| lift |
As mentioned above, in British English, it is commonly used to mean 'elevator'. However, it has a broader use to refer to raising anything upward.
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| hoist |
This term is used to describe a device or piece of equipment used to lift heavy objects, often vertically. It is commonly used in industrial or construction contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The elevator in the office building stopped working.
- She took the elevator to the top floor.
in a mine
A machine used for raising and lowering people or goods in a mine.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| elevator |
In American English, 'elevator' is the common term used to describe a mechanical device that moves people or goods between floors of a building.
|
| lift |
In British English, 'lift' is the common term for the same device Americans call an 'elevator.' It is also used in general contexts to mean raising something to a higher position.
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| cage |
A 'cage' typically refers to a structure of bars or wires used to confine or protect something. It can sometimes refer to an elevator in an industrial context, generally implying that it has an open framework. It can also carry a somewhat negative or foreboding connotation if used to describe a space one is confined in.
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Examples of usage
- The miners use the elevator to go down into the mine.
- The elevator brought up a load of coal from the depths of the mine.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'elevator'
The word 'elevator' originated from the Latin word 'elevare', which means 'to lift up'. The concept of elevators has been around for centuries, with primitive versions dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, the modern passenger elevator was invented in the 19th century by Elisha Otis, who introduced safety features such as the safety brake. Since then, elevators have become essential in tall buildings and have revolutionized vertical transportation.