exaltation

American  

[eg-zawl-tey-shuhn, ek-sawl-] / ˌɛg zɔlˈteɪ ʃən, ˌɛk sɔl- /

noun

1. the act of exalting.

2. the state of being exalted.

3. elation of mind or feeling, sometimes abnormal or morbid in character; rapture: euphoric exaltation.

   mystical exaltation;

   euphoric exaltation.

   Synonyms:

   euphoria, transport, exultation

4. Chiefly British. a flight of larks.

5. Astrology. the sign of the zodiac in which the most positive influence of a planet is expressed (fall ).

6. Chemistry. (formerly) the process of subliming.

---

exaltation British  

/ ˌɛɡzɔːlˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of exalting or state of being exalted

2. a feeling of intense well-being or exhilaration; elation; rapture

3. a flock of larks

---

Related Words

See ecstasy.

Other Word Forms

• hyperexaltation noun
• self-exaltation noun
• superexaltation noun

Etymology

Origin of exaltation

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English exaltacioun, from Latin exaltātiōn- (stem of exaltātiō ). See exalt, -ation

Explanation

If the Prize Patrol showed up at your door with a check for a million dollars, you'd probably be overcome with a feeling of exaltation or overwhelming happiness. Chances are slim, so don't bank on it. Exaltation comes from the Latin exaltare meaning to "raise aloft." When you're in a state of exaltation, your emotions are raised aloft and you're swept away in happiness. Exaltation is also the term for praising someone really highly or raising someone in rank, and for a group of larks, and in astrology, the place in a planet's orbit of maximum influence. Fly an exaltation of larks above the ceremony of your exaltation to Minister of Vocabulary.

Example Sentences

It was a sigh of relief, a flurry of exaltation and a potential postseason statement, wrapped up into one potentially momentum-turning victory.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2024

The true legacy of Annie is this exaltation of perseverance in the face of being persistently wronged, putting the responsibility for repairing harm in the hands of the vulnerable.

From Slate • Aug. 17, 2024

But there was nothing robotic about the onstage revelry that spilled into the crowd and continued with “Alien Superstar” — an exaltation of individuality with nods to ball culture that had Beyoncé oozing extraterrestrial swag.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2023

Ambition and achievement, electronics and exaltation all figure in “Scientists & Engineers” from “Michael,” Killer Mike’s first solo album since he formed Run the Jewels with El-P.

From New York Times • Jun. 16, 2023

The crowd erupted in a deep, sinewy exaltation of triumph.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• rapture