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Exalt and Exult: Definitions, Synonyms, and Usage
Exalt and Exult – Definition and Part of Speech
The terms exalt and exult are verbs that convey a sense of elevating or expressing intense joy, respectively.
- Exalt: To raise in rank, power, or character; to elevate. It can also mean to glorify or praise highly.
- Grammatical Forms: verb (e.g., exalted, exalting)
- Exult: To feel or show triumphant elation or jubilation. This word is often used in contexts involving victory or great joy.
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevate | To raise something in position, status, or esteem. More literal than exalt. | “The promotion will elevate her standing within the company.” | Formal/Professional |
| Glorify | To praise or honor someone or something highly; often implies admiration. | “He glorified his mentors for their guidance and support.” | Formal/Academic |
| Rejoice | To feel or show great joy, typically in a communal or religious context. | “The community rejoiced at the birth of twins to their mayor’s family.” | Informal/Colloquial |
| Jubilate | To celebrate with triumphant expression; archaic and formal. | “They jubilated after hearing about the team’s victory.” | Formal/Literary |
| Triumph | To feel or express exultation, especially in response to an achievement or success. | “She triumphed over adversity and now serves as a role model for many.” | Formal/Academic/Emotional |
Usage Notes
- Elevate is often used in professional and business contexts where literal or metaphorical raising of status is involved.
- Example: In performance reviews, managers might discuss opportunities to elevate an employee’s responsibilities.
- Glorify fits well in both formal settings and literary works when praise or admiration needs emphasis.
- Example: Writers might use this term to describe characters who are praised for their heroism in historical novels.
- Rejoice is suitable for everyday contexts, particularly when discussing shared happiness or celebration within groups.
- Example: Families often rejoice at reunions and milestones like graduations or weddings.
- Jubilate, though less common in casual conversation, provides a dramatic flair suited to literary texts or speeches.
- Example: “The poet jubilated in verse upon receiving the accolade for his lifetime achievements.”
- Triumph conveys a strong sense of victory and is often used when discussing overcoming challenges or achieving significant goals.
- Example: Autobiographies frequently describe personal triumphs over adversity to inspire readers.
Common Pitfalls
- Confusion between exalt and glorify: While both involve praise, “exalt” can also mean elevation in a non-literal sense (e.g., elevating one’s status), whereas “glorify” specifically centers on admiration.
- Misinterpretation of jubilate due to its archaic nature; it is best reserved for literary or ceremonial uses rather than everyday speech.
Final Recap
In summary, while exalt and exult both imply elevation and joy, their synonyms provide nuanced alternatives that can suit different contexts:
- Elevate: For literal or metaphorical raising.
- Glorify: Emphasis on high praise.
- Rejoice: Communal celebration of joy.
- Jubilate: Dramatic expression of triumph (less common).
- Triumph: Strong sense of victory and achievement.
To effectively expand your vocabulary, try incorporating these synonyms into various writing exercises or conversations to understand their distinct connotations better. Practice using each word in different contexts—formal reports, casual chats, academic papers, or creative stories—to gain a deeper appreciation for their nuances.