What does exaltation mean?
"Exaltation" is a formal noun describing an intense state of elation, joy, or heightened emotion, as well as the act of raising a person or thing to a higher rank, position, or level of honor. Derived from the Latin "exaltare," meaning "to lift up" or "to raise high," it shares its root with words like "altitude." In everyday use, exaltation suggests a powerful, often spiritual or transcendent form of happiness — deeper than ordinary pleasure — as when a person feels exaltation upon achieving a long-sought goal or witnessing something awe-inspiring. In more formal or historical contexts, it can refer to someone's elevation to a distinguished office or title. The word also has a specialized meaning in astrology, where it describes the zodiac sign in which a planet is considered most dignified. With its connotations of uplift and grandeur, "exaltation" is a vivid choice for writers seeking to convey profound emotional height or ceremonial honor.
nounThe state or feeling of intense elation, joy, or elevated happiness; also, the act of raising someone or something to a higher rank, position, or level of praise.
- A state of intense elation, joy, or heightened emotion.
- The act or process of raising someone to a higher rank, status, or position of honor.
- In astrology, the sign in which a planet is said to be at its strongest or most dignified.
"She felt a surge of exaltation as she crossed the finish line."
"A sense of exaltation swept through the crowd when the results were announced."
"His exaltation to the position of chief justice was celebrated across the nation."
Rarely used in the plural; typically appears as an uncountable noun referring to the general state of being exalted or elated.
"The poet's verses captured the exaltations of youth."
"Exaltation" and "altitude" come from the same Latin root meaning "high" — so when you're in exaltation, you're linguistically lifted up.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exaltation
"Exaltation" derives from the Latin verb "exaltare," formed from "ex-" (out, up) and "altus" (high), literally meaning "to raise up" or "to lift on high." It entered English via Old French during the late Middle English period, initially carrying senses of both physical elevation and spiritual or social raising. Its cognates include "altitude" and related words built on the same Latin root "altus." Over time, the dominant modern sense settled into that of intense elation or joyful elevation of spirit.
Related word forms
How exaltation is actually used
Formal or literary in register. The emotional sense often carries connotations of spiritual or transcendent uplift rather than everyday cheerfulness; the sense relating to promotion or elevation is more common in historical or ceremonial contexts.
Easily confused with exaltation
"Exultation" means triumphant rejoicing or jubilation, while "exaltation" primarily means a state of elevated happiness or the act of raising someone in rank or honor — though their meanings overlap closely.
"Exhaustion" refers to extreme tiredness, whereas "exaltation" refers to an uplifting state of joy or elevation.