Exultant Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exultant

[ษชษกหˆzสŒltษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

Exultant describes a feeling of triumphant joy or happiness. It often occurs after achieving a significant goal or experiencing a joyful event. This emotion can manifest in loud celebrations or exuberant displays of happiness. Those feeling exultant might express this through laughter, loud cheers, or by sharing their joy with others.

Synonyms

ecstatic, elated, joyful, overjoyed.

Examples of usage

  • She was exultant after winning the championship.
  • His exultant laughter filled the room during the celebration.
  • They felt exultant when their team scored the winning goal.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's play 'Othello', characters display exultant emotions after moments of triumph or realization.
  • Exultant feelings are often depicted in poetry, symbolizing ultimate happiness and celebration, such as in works by Emily Dickinson.
  • Exultant characters often appear in stories after overcoming great odds, illustrating themes of victory and happiness.

Psychology

  • Feeling exultant can lead to a release of endorphins, the body's natural 'feel-good' hormones.
  • Such intense joy is linked to positive mental health, as it can counteract stress and anxiety.
  • Individuals experiencing exultance often exhibit increased social behaviors and connection with others.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often express exultance during critical victory scenes, reminiscent of sports celebrations.
  • Exultant music or themes are often used in films to heighten the sense of joy, especially in climactic moments.
  • Popular songs about exultant feelings, such as 'Happy' by Pharrell Williams, capture joyous moments in life.

Science

  • Exultant expressions can trigger neurological pathways associated with pleasure in the brain.
  • Studies show that joyful laughter, a sign of exultation, can boost the immune system.
  • Research indicates that shared exultant experiences, like team victories, strengthen social bonds among participants.

Origin of 'exultant'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'exultare', which means 'to leap up.'
  • The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'saltare' means 'to leap,' literally suggesting leaping for joy.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the 15th century, indicating longstanding joy-related expressions.

The word 'exultant' originates from the Latin verb 'exultare', which means 'to leap up' or 'to rejoice greatly'. This verb is a combination of the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'saltare' meaning 'to leap'. First used in English in the late 16th century, it reflected the intense joy and exhilaration often linked to victory or great achievement. Over the centuries, the usage of 'exultant' has evolved, but it has consistently retained its connection to expressions of exuberant happiness. The term often evokes images of people celebrating significant milestones, whether personal or collective, illustrating the human tendency to express emotions physically and vocally during moments of joy.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,220, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.