exalt
C1Formal, literary
Definition
Meaning
To raise someone or something to a higher position, status, or level; to praise highly.
To intensify or heighten the qualities of something (e.g., emotions, colours); to fill with a sense of joy or elation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a sense of glorification, spiritual elevation, or idealization. Can carry a slightly archaic or rhetorical tone in modern usage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or grammatical differences. Slightly more common in religious or formal literary contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations of high praise, elevation, and glorification in both dialects.
Frequency
Low-frequency, formal word in both varieties. Possibly slightly more prevalent in American religious discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] exalts [Object][Subject] exalts [Object] to [Position][Subject] is exalted above/over [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “exalt to the skies”
- “exalt the humble and meek”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal corporate communications praising a leader's vision: 'The board sought to exalt the founder's principles.'
Academic
Used in literary criticism, history, and religious studies: 'The poet exalts nature as a divine force.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously or ironically: 'Don't exalt him just because he took the bins out.'
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of theological or philosophical discourse.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The sermon sought to exalt the virtues of charity.
- He was exalted to the peerage for his service.
American English
- The biography exalted her as a pioneer of civil rights.
- They exalted the team's effort despite the loss.
adverb
British English
- The leader spoke exaltedly of the nation's destiny. (Rare)
- She gazed exaltedly at the masterpiece. (Rare)
American English
- He praised the plan exaltedly, calling it genius. (Rare)
- The critic wrote exaltedly about the film's director. (Rare)
adjective
British English
- The exalted position of Chancellor carries great responsibility.
- She spoke with an exalted tone of moral certainty.
American English
- His exalted rank in the organization granted him unique access.
- The poem describes an exalted state of spiritual bliss.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The king wanted to exalt his favourite knight.
- The song exalts the beauty of the countryside.
- The ceremony was designed to exalt the company's core values.
- Critics exalted the novel as a modern masterpiece.
- His theories exalted intuition over empirical evidence, drawing criticism from scientists.
- The regime's propaganda tirelessly exalted the leader to a near-divine status.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'EXALT' as 'EXit' + 'ALTitude' – to exit to a higher altitude, to raise up.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS HEIGHT / PRAISE IS LIFTING UP
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'exult' (ликовать). 'Exalt' is transitive (возвеличивать кого-то), while 'exult' is intransitive (радоваться).
- Do not translate directly as 'exalt the idea' using 'превозносить' in all contexts; it can sound overly strong. 'Восхвалять' or 'прославлять' are closer.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'exalt' intransitively (e.g., 'They exalted over the victory' – incorrect; should be 'exulted').
- Confusing spelling with 'exult'.
- Using in informal contexts where 'praise highly' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'exalt' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Exalt' is a transitive verb meaning to praise or elevate someone/something. 'Exult' is an intransitive verb meaning to show or feel triumphant joy.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word most often found in religious, literary, or rhetorical contexts.
Yes, it can be used critically to suggest excessive or unwarranted praise, e.g., 'The cult exalted its leader beyond reason.'
The main noun forms are 'exaltation' (the act of exalting or a state of great happiness) and, less commonly, 'exaltedness'.