elat
C2/RareFormal, literary
Definition
Meaning
to make someone feel very happy, proud, or excited
To lift someone's spirits; to cause a feeling of triumphant joy or exultation
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically describes a temporary, intense emotional state rather than general happiness. Often used in passive construction 'be elated' or as adjective 'elated'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage frequency and context are nearly identical. Slightly more common in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties carry formal/literary connotations. No significant difference in meaning.
Frequency
Uncommon in both dialects, with slightly higher occurrence in British English corpus data.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Something elates somebodySomebody is elated by/at/with somethingSomebody feels elatedVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on cloud nine (related state)”
- “walking on air (related state)”
- “over the moon (related state)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The quarterly results elated shareholders.'
Academic
Occasional in literary/psychological contexts. 'The discovery elated the research team.'
Everyday
Very rare in spoken English. Mostly encountered in written form.
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The victory elated the entire nation.
- News of the promotion elated him considerably.
American English
- The team's comeback elated the home crowd.
- Finding the rare artifact elated the archaeologists.
adverb
British English
- Rarely used. 'He spoke elatedly of his achievements.'
American English
- Rarely used. 'She smiled elatedly at the good news.'
adjective
British English
- She was elated at receiving the acceptance letter.
- The elated supporters celebrated late into the night.
American English
- He felt elated after finishing the marathon.
- An elated crowd gathered outside the theater.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She was very elated after her birthday party.
- The children were elated when they saw the snow.
- Winning the competition elated her more than she had expected.
- The investors were elated by the unexpectedly positive market analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: e-LATE → When you're late but still make it, you feel ELATED!
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION IS ELEVATION (elated = lifted up emotionally)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'элитный' (elite).
- Ближе по значению к 'восторгать/приводить в восторг', 'окрылять'.
- Чаще используется как причастие 'elated' (обрадованный, в восторге).
Common Mistakes
- Using as common synonym for 'happy'.
- Incorrect: 'I elate when I see you.' Correct: 'I am elated when I see you.'
- Confusing 'elate' (verb) with 'elated' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'elated' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's relatively rare and formal. The adjective 'elated' is more common than the verb 'elate'.
'Elated' suggests an intense, triumphant, or ecstatic happiness, often temporary. 'Happy' is more general and durable.
No, it's not typically used reflexively. You don't 'elate yourself.' You 'are elated' by something.
Yes, 'elation' is the noun form, meaning a feeling of great happiness and excitement.