What does exultantly mean?
Exultantly is an adverb describing action done with triumphant joy or intense elation. Someone who behaves exultantly does not merely feel pleased — they display their delight openly, whether by cheering, leaping, or beaming with unconcealed pride. The word typically appears after victories, achievements, or moments of great good fortune: an athlete might raise a trophy exultantly, or a candidate exultantly greet election results. It carries strongly positive connotations of victory and celebration, though it can occasionally suggest gloating when triumph comes at another's expense. Formally registered but widely understood, it is more vivid than 'happily' and more elevated than 'gleefully'. The word derives from Latin exultare, meaning 'to leap up', which captures its physical, bounding sense of joy perfectly. Writers reach for exultantly when they want readers to feel not just happiness but the exhilarating rush of hard-won success.
adverbIn a manner showing triumphant joy or elation, especially about a victory or success; with exultation.
- In a manner expressing triumphant joy or elation.
"She raised the trophy exultantly above her head as the crowd roared."
"The team exultantly carried their captain off the field after the final whistle."
"He exultantly announced the birth of his first child to anyone who would listen."
Exultantly comes straight from Latin for 'leaping up' — the same root that gives us 'salient' and 'salmon', the fish famous for jumping.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exultantly
Exultantly derives from Latin exultare (also spelled exsultare), formed from ex- ('out') plus saltare ('to leap'), literally meaning 'to leap up' — an image of joy so strong it moves the body. The verb passed through Latin exultare into English as 'exult' in the late sixteenth century, with the adjective 'exultant' and adverb 'exultantly' developing shortly afterward. The same Latin root, via saltare and its base salire, gives English cognates such as 'salient', 'assail', and even 'salmon', the leaping fish.
Related word forms
How exultantly is actually used
A fairly formal or literary word, stronger and more dramatic than 'happily' or 'gladly'. It implies visible, often vocal triumph rather than quiet contentment.
Easily confused with exultantly
Exhaustedly means in a state of complete tiredness, whereas exultantly means in a state of triumphant joy — similar opening letters but opposite emotional meanings.