What does exalting mean?
"Exalting" is the present participle of the verb "to exalt", which means to praise or glorify someone or something highly, or to raise them to a position of greater rank, power, or dignity. In everyday use, an exalting act or utterance lifts its subject up — a speech exalting a leader's virtues, a hymn exalting a deity, or a biography exalting a hero's achievements. Less commonly, "exalting" functions as an adjective describing experiences that produce elation or spiritual uplift, such as an exalting view from a mountaintop or an exalting piece of music. The word carries a formal, elevated register and appears most often in religious, literary, ceremonial, or rhetorical contexts; it would sound out of place in casual conversation about ordinary matters. Its connotations are almost entirely positive, implying genuine admiration rather than mere flattery. Related forms include "exalt", "exalted", and "exaltation", all stemming from the Latin verb exaltare, meaning to raise high.
Present participle of 'exalt': praising or glorifying someone or something, or raising them to a higher rank or status.
"The inscription praised the general, exalting him above all previous commanders."
Typically used in formal, religious, or literary contexts.
Producing feelings of great happiness, elation, or spiritual uplift.
"Standing before the alpine panorama was an exalting experience."
Less common than the verbal sense; usually applied to experiences, art, music, or natural beauty.
Exalt and exult differ by just one vowel — but one lifts someone up on a pedestal while the other dances for joy at the bottom of it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exalting
"Exalting" derives from the verb "exalt", which entered English from Old French exalter in the late Middle English period, ultimately from Latin exaltare, meaning "to raise high" or "lift up". The Latin verb combines the prefix ex- ("out, up") with altus ("high"), the same root that gives English "altitude" and "alto". Cognate forms appear throughout Romance languages, such as French exalter and Spanish exaltar. The participial adjective use, describing something spiritually uplifting, developed alongside the verb's figurative sense of elevating the mind or spirit.
Related word forms
How exalting is actually used
Formal to elevated register. The verb sense carries a tone of reverence or high praise, often found in religious, literary, or ceremonial contexts. The adjectival sense ('an exalting experience') is less common but well attested, describing something that elevates the spirit. Do not confuse with 'exulting', which denotes triumphant joy rather than praise or elevation.
Easily confused with exalting
'Exulting' means rejoicing or celebrating triumphantly, whereas 'exalting' means praising highly or elevating in status — the two are often mixed up due to their similar spelling.