Explanation at your level:
Exaltation is a big word for being very, very happy. If you win a race, you feel happy. If you win a huge prize, you feel exaltation. It is a special, strong feeling.
When you feel exaltation, you are full of joy. It is more than just being glad. It is like being excited and proud at the same time. You might feel this way when you graduate or achieve a big goal.
Exaltation describes a state of intense excitement or happiness. It is often used when someone feels successful or spiritually uplifted. You might see this word in books or formal speeches rather than in casual conversation.
This noun refers to the state of being elevated, either in rank or in mood. It implies a sense of triumph. For example, 'The team celebrated their victory with a sense of exaltation.' It is a sophisticated synonym for 'elation' or 'rapture.'
In advanced English, exaltation carries a nuance of grandeur. It is used to describe the feeling of being lifted above mundane concerns. It can also refer to the act of praising or glorifying someone, as in the 'exaltation of the hero' in a classic epic poem.
At the mastery level, exaltation bridges the gap between psychological states and theological concepts. It denotes a transcendent joy that borders on the sublime. Its etymological roots in 'raising' are still present in its usage regarding status, power, or spiritual ascension, reflecting a profound shift in perspective or standing.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Noun
- Means extreme joy
- Formal usage
- Root is 'high'
Think of exaltation as the ultimate peak of happiness. It isn't just a simple smile; it is that overwhelming, heart-pounding joy you feel when something truly incredible happens.
When you are in a state of exaltation, you might feel like you are floating on air. It is often used to describe intense excitement or a feeling of being lifted up, either emotionally or spiritually.
The word exaltation comes from the Latin word exaltare, which literally means 'to raise high.' It combines ex- (out or up) and altus (high).
Historically, it was used in religious contexts to describe the 'exaltation' of a saint or a deity. Over time, it evolved to describe the internal feeling of being 'raised' by joy, rather than just being physically lifted up.
You will mostly see exaltation in literature or formal writing. It is a bit too fancy for a quick text message to a friend!
Commonly, people speak of 'a feeling of exaltation' or 'shouts of exaltation.' It pairs well with words describing intense emotion, like 'pure' or 'wild.'
While exaltation itself isn't in many idioms, it relates to expressions like on cloud nine (meaning extreme happiness), over the moon, walking on air, in seventh heaven, and on top of the world.
Exaltation is an uncountable noun. You don't usually say 'an exaltation' or 'many exaltations.' It is pronounced /ˌɛɡ.zɔːlˈteɪ.ʃən/.
It rhymes with words like foundation, creation, station, nation, and relation. The stress is on the third syllable: ex-al-ta-tion.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'altitude'.
Pronunciation Guide
sounds like egg-zol-tay-shun
similar to UK
Common Errors
- missing the 'g' sound
- stressing the wrong syllable
- mispronouncing the 'tion'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
academic
formal
rare
literary
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun suffixes
-tion
Examples by Level
She felt great exaltation.
She felt very happy.
Noun usage.
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The crowd cheered with exaltation.
He felt pure exaltation after the win.
Her face showed her exaltation.
Exaltation filled the room.
They shared a moment of exaltation.
The music brought him exaltation.
She could not hide her exaltation.
It was a feeling of total exaltation.
The team’s exaltation was visible to everyone.
He spoke with a tone of exaltation.
She was in a state of quiet exaltation.
The news was met with great exaltation.
Their hearts were filled with exaltation.
The climb ended in a moment of exaltation.
He felt a sudden surge of exaltation.
The festival was a time of public exaltation.
The exaltation of the winner was truly inspiring.
She felt a sense of exaltation as she reached the summit.
His voice trembled with the exaltation of the moment.
They experienced a brief but intense exaltation.
The poem captures the exaltation of love.
The exaltation of the king was celebrated throughout the land.
She was caught up in the exaltation of the crowd.
There is no exaltation in defeat.
The exaltation of the human spirit is a common theme in literature.
He felt a strange, detached exaltation.
The ritual was performed for the exaltation of the gods.
She reached a state of spiritual exaltation.
The exaltation of his achievements was well-deserved.
The painting conveys a sense of divine exaltation.
His exaltation was tempered by a sense of responsibility.
The exaltation of the ego can be dangerous.
The mystic described a state of pure, unalloyed exaltation.
The exaltation of the individual above the collective is a philosophical debate.
The architecture was designed for the exaltation of the soul.
Her exaltation was not merely emotional but intellectual.
The exaltation of the mundane is the poet's greatest gift.
He sought the exaltation that only total focus could provide.
The political movement aimed at the exaltation of the working class.
His exaltation was a fleeting glimpse of perfection.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"on cloud nine"
very happy
I was on cloud nine.
casual""
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Easily Confused
similar sound
excitation is physical stimulation
The excitation of the nerves vs the exaltation of the spirit.
Sentence Patterns
a feeling of exaltation
She had a feeling of exaltation.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
4
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
exaltation is a noun
Tips
Root Word
Remember 'alt' means high.
Formal Writing
Use it in essays.
Religious roots
Often used in church.
Not plural
Don't add an 's'.
Slow down
Say each syllable.
Don't use as verb
Use 'exalt' instead.
Latin roots
From 'exaltare'.
Flashcards
Use with 'elation'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Exaltation = Ex (out/up) + Alt (high) + tion
Visual Association
a person rising up to the sun
Word Web
Challenge
Use it in a formal essay.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: to raise high
Cultural Context
none
often used in religious or literary contexts
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Sports
- shouts of exaltation
- moment of exaltation
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever felt true exaltation?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you felt exaltation.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is a noun.
Test Yourself
The ___ was clear on her face.
Fits the context of emotion.
What does exaltation mean?
It means extreme happiness.
Exaltation is a verb.
It is a noun.
Word
Meaning
Correct definition.
Correct syntax.
Score: /5
Summary
Exaltation is a high-level word for a high-level feeling of joy.
- Noun
- Means extreme joy
- Formal usage
- Root is 'high'
Root Word
Remember 'alt' means high.
Formal Writing
Use it in essays.
Religious roots
Often used in church.
Not plural
Don't add an 's'.
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