What does soar mean?
Soar means to rise or fly high, usually with a sense of speed, power, or graceful movement. The word is especially evocative when describing a bird, aircraft, or other object climbing rapidly through the air. In figurative use, it describes something increasing sharply or reaching a prominent position: prices may soar, a career may soar, or an artist may soar to fame. The verb can also describe people responding with intense enthusiasm, as when a crowd soars to its feet. Because soar suggests more than a simple upward movement, it often carries an impression of ambition, intensity, or dramatic success. It is widely understood in formal and informal English, although its frequency and rhetorical force are perhaps strongest in journalism, sports reporting, and descriptive writing.
verbTo fly or rise high in the air, especially with powerful or sweeping movement. It can also mean to increase or attain a very high level, value, or status.
- To fly or move upward with great height or speed.
- To rise rapidly to a high level, value, or position.
- To express strong emotion or achieve an elevated emotional state.
"The eagle soared above the mountains as the sun began to rise."
"The aircraft soared above the clouds during the ascent."
"Her career soared after the publication of her first novel."
"The crowd soared to its feet when the final goal was scored."
From a bird's effortless rise to a stock market's rapid climb, soar captures movement upward in both the literal and figurative senses.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does soar come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French sorer, meaning to rise or ascend. Its deeper roots are associated with Latin forms connected with rising into the air or taking flight. The modern English verb has long been used both literally for flight and figuratively for rapid increases and rising prominence.
Related word forms
How soar is actually used
The word is formal in many contexts and conveys a strong sense of height, speed, or dramatic upward movement. It is especially common in figurative expressions about prices, careers, popularity, and achievement.
Easily confused with soar
Soar means to rise or fly high, whereas sore usually describes pain or a feeling of tenderness.