elevate

1 of 2

adjective

el·​e·​vate ˈe-lə-ˌvāt 

-vət

archaic

: elevated

elevate

2 of 2

verb

el·​e·​vate ˈe-lə-ˌvāt 

elevated; elevating

transitive verb

1

: to lift up or make higher : raise

elevate a patient's leg

exercises that elevate the heart rate

2

: to raise in rank or status

was elevated to chairman

3

: to improve morally, intellectually, or culturally

great books that both entertain and elevate their readers

4

: to raise the spirits of : elate

intransitive verb

: to become elevated : rise

his voice elevated to a shout

Synonyms

Verb

• elate
• enrapture
• exhilarate
• intoxicate
• transport

Choose the Right Synonym for elevate

lift, raise, rear, elevate, hoist, heave, boost mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position.

lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

rear may add an element of suddenness to raise.

suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs

elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

Examples of elevate in a Sentence

Verb

exercises that elevate the heart rate

seeing their son ordained as a priest was one of the most elevating moments in their lives

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The earnest lyrics get elevate by rippling guitars, shining production and the duo’s smooth harmonies. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Mar. 2023

There are fewer opportunities for defensive linemen to see the field given how college football is played these days, and rushing the passer helps players get elevate. —Michael Casagrande | [e-mail], al, 28 Aug. 2021

Verb

Yes, postpartum recovery and lactation are life stages during which your nutritional needs continue to be elevated. —Alexandra Paetow Ms Rdn, Parents, 15 Apr. 2024

Its short sleeves provide versatility and can be elevated with a cardigan or jacket. —Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2024

Even as Garland’s vision remains frustratingly opaque, it’s elevated by some stellar performances. —Devan Coggan, EW.com, 12 Apr. 2024

But the simple dish can be elevated with other ingredients and the use of your food processor and air fryer. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 12 Apr. 2024

Interest rates are currently sitting at 5.25% to 5.5% amid the Fed’s ongoing fight against inflation, which has fallen considerably from its 2022 highs but remains elevated above the Fed’s target of 2%. —Rocio Fabbro, Quartz, 12 Apr. 2024

Certain shrooms can foster neurogenesis, the expansion, and maturation of nervous tissue, while chocolate flavonoids synergize to heighten memory retention and improve attention span, ultimately elevating overall cognitive function [4]. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

But shares of oil and gas companies tend to do well when rates are elevated. —Krystal Hur, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

With new droids arriving at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this week — and some of the most lifelike characters ever created coming later this year to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — the Walt Disney Co. this year is elevating the wizardry that is theme park engineering. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin elevatus, past participle of elevare, from e- + levare to raise — more at lever

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

elevate

verb

el·​e·​vate

ˈel-ə-ˌvāt

elevated; elevating

1

: to lift up or make higher : raise

2

: to raise in rank or importance

3

: to improve the mind or spirits of

Etymology

Verb

Latin elevatus, past participle of elevare "to lift up," from e- "away" and levare "to raise" — related to lever