exult

[ig-zuhlt]

verb (used without object)

1. to show or feel a lively or triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant.

   They exulted over their victory.

   Synonyms: revel, glory, delight

2. Obsolete.,  to leap, especially for joy.

exult

/ ɪɡˈzʌlt, ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃən /

verb

1. to be joyful or jubilant, esp because of triumph or success; rejoice

2. (often foll by over) to triumph (over); show or take delight in the defeat or discomfiture (of)

Other Word Forms

• exultingly adverb
• self-exulting adjective
• exultation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of exult¹

1560–70; < Latin ex ( s ) ultāre to leap up, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -sultāre (combining form of saltāre to leap)

Word History and Origins

Origin of exult¹

C16: from Latin exsultāre to jump or leap for joy, from saltāre to leap

Example Sentences

A clarion call in that direction came from President Bill Clinton when, in his 1996 State of the Union address, he exulted that “the era of big government is over.”

Read more on Salon

“Adventure, risk, transformation,” she exults, forever on the lookout for her next metamorphosis.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When Curran is indeed killed, the opportunity to investigate an “actual murder” so excites Joyce that she runs to wake her new friends for an “emergency meeting” — “Isn’t it wonderful?” she exults.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He exulted in the fact that “we train our boys to be killing machines.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Another superstar from Japan!” exulted Joe Davis, the voice of the Dodgers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gloat 
• revel 

When To Use

What does exult mean?

Exult means to express or experience triumph or happiness, as in The gambler always exults after winning the big jackpot. Exult can be confused for the similarly spelled word exalt. Exalt has several meanings, including to elevate in rank, power or quality and to praise.Example: Your project winning a national contest is something to exult about!