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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:

"It's been a really uplifting experience for all involved, having that routine, knowing you're outside and being with people in your community," she added.

From BBC Aug. 22, 2026

The most uplifting parts of Ms. Kaushal’s book highlight the extent to which African immigrants cherish the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 10, 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

McLean said when GST was introduced the states agreed to compensate islanders by improving personal tax allowances, uplifting income support payments and targeted support through the community costs bonus.

From BBC Jul. 14, 2026

The only music I knew was from church: soaring, uplifting songs praising Jesus.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

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