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exult

[ ig-zuhlt ]
/ ɪgˈzʌlt /
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See synonyms for: exult / exulted / exulting on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object)
to show or feel a lively or triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant: They exulted over their victory.
Obsolete. to leap, especially for joy.
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Origin of exult

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

OTHER WORDS FROM exult

ex·ult·ing·ly, adverbself-ex·ult·ing, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH exult

exalt, exult
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

MORE ABOUT EXULT

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! 

Where does exult come from?

The first records of exult come from around 1560. It comes from the Latin ex(s)ultāre meaning “to leap up.” A person who is exulting is figuratively jumping for joy.

Exult is not a common word and less likely to be used than words with similar meanings, such as rejoice, cheer, or celebrate. When used, exult refers only to positive feelings and reactions, not negative ones such as sadness, anger, or fear.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to exult?

What are some synonyms for exult?

What are some words that share a root or word element with exult

What are some words that often get used in discussing exult?

What are some words exult may be commonly confused with?

How is exult used in real life?

Exult is not a commonly used word. It more often appears in quotes of religious texts or is misused for the word exalt.

Try using exult!

Is exult used correctly in the following sentence?

The proud coach exulted over the gymnast’s gold medal.

How to use exult in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for exult

exult
/ (ɪɡˈzʌlt) /

verb (intr)
to be joyful or jubilant, esp because of triumph or success; rejoice
(often foll by over) to triumph (over); show or take delight in the defeat or discomfiture (of)

Derived forms of exult

exultation (ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃən), nounexultingly, adverb

Word Origin for exult

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

undefined exult

See exalt
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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