Lift: meaning, definitions and examples

General use for raising something to a higher position, especially with physical strength.

• He lifted the box off the ground
• She needed help to lift the heavy suitcase

Can be used in many contexts, including moving something upward, bringing up topics, or increasing something.

• Please raise your hand if you have a question
• They plan to raise funds for the new project

Usually refers to lifting something with mechanical help or significant effort, often something heavy.

• They used a crane to hoist the beams into place
• The sailors hoisted the sails

Often used in formal or medical contexts to indicate raising something to a higher level or position.

• We need to elevate the patient's leg to reduce swelling
• The organization's goal is to elevate public awareness of the issue

Typically used in British English to refer to a device that transports people or goods between floors of a building.

• She took the lift to the third floor
• The lift is out of order today

Commonly used in American English to describe the same device that moves people or goods between floors.

• He rode the elevator to the top floor
• The office building has three elevators

Refers to the complete set of elevators in a building, often including both mechanical and control components.

• The hotel upgraded its elevator system last year
• Engineers are working on the elevator system to improve efficiency

Used to describe a type of lift designed for people with disabilities or to transport goods, typically having a platform instead of an enclosed cabin.

• The platform lift is available for wheelchair users
• They installed a platform lift to move heavy equipment between floors