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Showing results for "uplifting"
  • present participle of uplift.
Synonyms

uplifting

American  
[uhp-lif-ting] / ʌpˈlɪf tɪŋ /

adjective

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

    an uplifting sermon.


uplifting British  
/ ʌpˈlɪftɪŋ /

adjective

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

"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

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.

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Vocabulary lists containing uplifting

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

A former war reporter assigned to help plan a morale-boosting national festival faces the absurdity inherent in projects such as a cake-baking competition and a collection of uplifting poetry.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

"I'm excited to keep uplifting my friends and cheering them on as they reach for the Moon. Together, we'll keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next giant leap."

From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026

And zonk it is, indeed; “Date Night” is an exhilarating, high-velocity, uplifting song with a surprisingly singable chorus.

From Salon ● Sep. 22, 2026

“His commitment to uplifting those around him extended far beyond sports, as he faithfully served in his church, offering support, counsel and friendship to anyone in need,” the post read.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

This conferred instant credibility upon his preferred role as designated truth teller, poised to expose the chaotic reality beneath all uplifting accounts of the Revolution.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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