exaltation
C2Formal, literary, elevated; occasionally technical (e.g., ornithology).
Definition
Meaning
A feeling or state of extreme happiness, elation, or intense joy.
1. The action of elevating someone in rank, power, or character. 2. A term in ornithology for a group of larks. 3. In various religious or spiritual contexts, the state of being in high spiritual standing or rapture.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries connotations of a lofty, intense, or spiritually elevated type of joy, not mere everyday happiness. The 'elevation' sense is often passive (being exalted by others) and formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or primary usage. The ornithological collective noun 'an exaltation of larks' is known and used in both varieties, but is highly literary/poetic.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word inherently suggests a formal or literary tone. Its use outside of specific contexts (e.g., describing spiritual experiences or using the fixed phrase) can sound deliberately old-fashioned or pretentious.
Frequency
Very low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions. More likely encountered in religious, literary, historical, or formal academic texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
exaltation at + noun phrase (exaltation at their victory)exaltation over + noun phrase (exaltation over the discovery)in (a state of) exaltationwith exaltationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an exaltation of larks (collective noun)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused. A CEO might speak of 'the team's exaltation' after a major deal only in a very stylised, hyperbolic speech.
Academic
Used in theology, literary criticism, history, and psychology to describe intense emotional/spiritual states or the act of raising in status.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would be marked as very formal or ironic.
Technical
Ornithology: a recognised, though poetic, collective noun for larks. Psychology/Psychiatry: can describe a symptom in manic or ecstatic states.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The bard's verse served to exalt the king's virtues.
- They sought to exalt the humble to positions of leadership.
American English
- The sermon exalted the values of charity and forgiveness.
- The victory exalted the team to legendary status.
adverb
British English
- The philosopher spoke exaltedly of a higher purpose.
- (Note: 'exaltedly' is exceedingly rare and awkward; 'rapturously' or 'effusively' are preferred.)
American English
- (See British note. This form is virtually never used in natural English.)
adjective
British English
- She spoke in exalted tones about the poet's genius.
- They reached an exalted position in society.
American English
- His exalted rank came with great responsibility.
- The critic's exalted praise made the young artist's career.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After winning the championship, the team was full of joy and exaltation.
- The music filled her with a feeling of exaltation.
- Her exaltation at being offered the prestigious award was visible to everyone.
- The poem describes the exaltation of a simple shepherd to a heroic figure.
- The mystic wrote of experiencing a profound spiritual exaltation during meditation.
- The political movement led to the exaltation of its leader to an almost god-like status among his followers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of being lifted UP (like in an EXALTed position) by an ALTAR (suggesting religion) to feel intense joy. EX-ALT-ATION.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAPPINESS IS UP / BEING ELEVATED (e.g., 'feeling high', 'on cloud nine'). STATUS IS UP (the 'elevation in rank' sense).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with "восторг" (delight) for mundane situations; "exaltation" is stronger and rarer.
- Do not directly translate the religious sense as "прославление" (glorification); it's more about the internal state of the believer.
- The collective noun "an exaltation of larks" has no direct Russian equivalent; it's a stylistic device.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'happiness' in casual contexts (register error).
- Misspelling as 'exhaltation' (the root is Latin 'altus' meaning high, not 'halt').
- Incorrect preposition: 'exaltation for' is less common than 'exaltation at/over'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'exaltation' LEAST likely to be used naturally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily found in literary, religious, or academic contexts.
Typically, no. It denotes positive elevation or joy. However, in clinical contexts, it can describe an abnormally intense emotional state as part of a manic episode.
It is a poetic collective noun for a group of larks, part of a tradition of fanciful collective terms (e.g., a murder of crows). It is not used in standard ornithological fieldwork.
They are close synonyms for intense joy. 'Exultation' often implies triumphant, jubilant joy, often expressed outwardly. 'Exaltation' can be more inward, spiritual, or serene, and retains the additional meaning of 'elevation in status'.
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