Lifted: meaning, definitions and examples

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lifted

 

[ ˈlɪftɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in a physical sense

To raise to a higher position or level; elevate. To move or bring something to a higher position. To pick up or carry (something heavy). To increase the amount, level, or force of something.

Synonyms

boost, elevate, hoist, raise, uplift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lifted

Used when describing the action of picking something up or moving it to a higher position. Commonly used in everyday language.

  • She lifted the box onto the table.
  • He lifted his child into the air.
raise

A versatile word used in various contexts: to increase the amount or level of something, or to lift something to a higher position.

  • She raised her hand to ask a question.
  • They raised the price of the product.
elevate

Typically used in more formal or technical contexts when talking about raising something or someone to a higher level or rank, both literally and figuratively.

  • The machine helps to elevate heavy loads.
  • She was elevated to a management position.
hoist

Used when referring to lifting something heavy, often with the help of equipment or machinery. Commonly used in construction or nautical contexts.

  • They hoisted the sail for the boat.
  • The workers hoisted the steel beam into place.
boost

Often used when referring to giving something additional support or increasing its effectiveness or value. Can be used both in physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • This vitamin will boost your energy levels.
  • The new advertisement campaign boosted sales.
uplift

Mainly used in a metaphorical sense to describe improving someone's mood, spirit or morale, though it can also mean raising something physically.

  • Listening to music helps to uplift my spirits.
  • The platform uplifted by hydraulic jacks.

Examples of usage

  • He lifted the box and carried it upstairs.
  • She lifted the weight effortlessly.
  • The new law will lift restrictions on trade.
  • The fog began to lift as the sun rose.
  • The team's spirits were lifted by the victory.
Context #2 | Verb

in a metaphorical sense

To raise or improve the mood, spirits, or morale of someone. To increase or improve something, such as a ban or restriction. To steal or plagiarize something.

Synonyms

boost, improve, inspire, uplift.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lifted

Use 'lifted' when referring to something physically or emotionally being raised or elevated. It is often used in contexts where a burden is removed.

  • The spirits of the team were lifted after their victory
  • He lifted the heavy box effortlessly
boost

Use 'boost' when talking about giving extra energy, encouragement, or improvement to something, particularly in performance or confidence.

  • The vitamins helped boost his immune system
  • She gave a boost to the project's timeline with her hard work
uplift

Use 'uplift' when elevating someone's mood or spirit through encouragement or positive influence. It has a slightly more emotional or spiritual connotation.

  • Her songs always uplift my spirits
  • The community event was designed to uplift and support those in need
inspire

Use 'inspire' when referring to the act of stimulating someone to do or feel something, especially to create or achieve.

  • His story inspired me to pursue my dreams
  • The beautiful scenery inspired her to paint again
improve

Use 'improve' when discussing making something better or enhancing its quality over time.

  • She took a course to improve her language skills
  • The new policy aims to improve workplace efficiency

Examples of usage

  • Her kind words lifted his spirits.
  • The government decided to lift the ban on certain imports.
  • She was accused of lifting the design from another artist.

Etymology

The word 'lifted' originates from the Old Norse word 'lypta', meaning 'to raise'. Over time, the meaning of 'lifted' has evolved to include both physical and metaphorical senses of raising or elevating something. The word has been used in English language for centuries, with its usage expanding to various contexts and applications.

See also: lift, lifting, uplift.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,669, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.