What does exalt mean?
"Exalt" is a formal verb meaning to praise or glorify something or someone to an exceptional degree, or to raise a person to a higher rank, position, or state of dignity. A critic may exalt a new novel; a nation may exalt its founding heroes; scripture and liturgy frequently speak of the humble being exalted. The word carries a distinctly elevated, even reverent connotation, which makes it well suited to ceremonial language, poetry, and serious commentary, but out of place in casual speech. Its past participle, "exalted," functions commonly as an adjective describing something lofty or dignified, as in "an exalted position." Derived from Latin roots meaning literally "to lift high," the word preserves that physical image in figurative form: to exalt someone is to place them on higher ground, whether morally, socially, or in public esteem. Writers should take care not to confuse it with the similar-sounding "exult," which means to rejoice.
To praise or glorify someone or something highly.
"Poets have long exalted the beauty of the natural world."
Often followed directly by the object being praised.
To raise someone to a higher rank, office, or degree of dignity or power.
"The council exalted him to the highest office in the land."
Exalt and exult differ by a single letter: one means to lift up in praise, the other means to jump for joy — and confusing them has been embarrassing writers for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exalt
"Exalt" comes from Latin "exaltare," formed from "ex-" (out, upward) and "altus" (high), literally meaning to raise aloft. It entered English in the late Middle English period via Old French "exalter," initially carrying both physical and figurative senses of lifting up. The same Latin root "altus" underlies words such as "altitude" and "exaltation." Over time the physical sense faded, leaving the verb primarily figurative — expressing elevation in rank, dignity, or praise.
Related word forms
How exalt is actually used
"Exalt" is formal and literary in register, appearing most often in religious, ceremonial, or elevated prose rather than everyday conversation. Its connotation is strongly positive, implying admiration that lifts its object above the ordinary. The past participle "exalted" is far more frequent as an adjective than the verb itself is used today.
Easily confused with exalt
"Exalt" means to praise highly or raise in rank, while "exult" means to rejoice or show great elation — they differ by only one letter but have entirely different meanings.