uplifting

American  

[uhp-lif-ting] / ʌpˈlɪf tɪŋ /

adjective

1. inspirational; offering or providing hope, encouragement, salvation, etc..

   an uplifting sermon.

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uplifting British  

/ ʌpˈlɪftɪŋ /

adjective

1. acting to raise moral, spiritual, cultural, etc levels

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Etymology

Origin of uplifting

First recorded in 1810–20; uplift + -ing ²

Explanation

When you stand on a beach and admire the uplifting of a kite into the blue sky, you're watching it move up. Watching that kite rise might be an uplifting, or moving, experience. Use the noun uplifting to describe the upward movement of something. You could describe the uplifting of a hot air balloon on a sunny day, or the uplifting of a girl's long hair in the wind. The action of something rising is an uplifting. A more common way to use the word is as an adjective describing something that figuratively lifts one's spirits or mood.

Example Sentences

He incorporated the colorful reference photographs into the final piece after Metro staff encouraged him to make the piece more uplifting.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

"And that means that they can keep uplifting those expenses against future profits in a way that other resource or mining resource sector companies haven't necessarily been able to do."

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Dre’s induction was celebrated in uplifting style by Public Enemy’s Chuck D and Flavor Flav, who performed a rousing version of “Fight the Power.”

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

She is signed with United Talent Agency and has launched a private equity film fund dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices in Hollywood.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

As always, the Dutch program was uplifting without being too optimistic.

From "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank