elevate

1 of 2

verb

el·​e·​vate ˈe-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce elevate (audio)
elevated; elevating
Synonyms of elevatenext

transitive verb

1
: to lift up or make higher : raise
elevate a patient's leg
exercises that elevate the heart rate
2
: to raise in rank or status
was elevated to chairman
3
: to improve morally, intellectually, or culturally
great books that both entertain and elevate their readers
4
: to raise the spirits of : elate

intransitive verb

: to become elevated : rise
his voice elevated to a shout

elevate

2 of 2

adjective

el·​e·​vate ˈe-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce elevate (audio)
-vət
archaic
: elevated

Synonyms

Verb

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for elevate

lift, raise, rear, elevate, hoist, heave, boost mean to move from a lower to a higher place or position.

lift usually implies exerting effort to overcome resistance of weight.

lift the chair while I vacuum

raise carries a stronger implication of bringing up to the vertical or to a high position.

scouts raising a flagpole

rear may add an element of suddenness to raise.

suddenly reared itself up on its hind legs

elevate may replace lift or raise especially when exalting or enhancing is implied.

elevated the taste of the public

hoist implies lifting something heavy especially by mechanical means.

hoisted the cargo on board

heave implies lifting and throwing with great effort or strain.

heaved the heavy crate inside

boost suggests assisting to climb or advance by a push.

boosted his brother over the fence

Examples of elevate in a Sentence

Verb exercises that elevate the heart rate seeing their son ordained as a priest was one of the most elevating moments in their lives
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Being elevated adds a layer of comfort and peace of mind – no worrying about uneven terrain, muddy ground or things creeping in during the night. —Fergus Scholes, theweek, 6 Nov. 2024 Some health experts said elevating Kennedy, even in an informal Trump administration position, could potentially lead to severe consequences for patients, drugmakers and the nation’s public health overall. —Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The earnest lyrics get elevate by rippling guitars, shining production and the duo’s smooth harmonies. —Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 3 Mar. 2023 There are fewer opportunities for defensive linemen to see the field given how college football is played these days, and rushing the passer helps players get elevate. —Michael Casagrande | McAsagrande@al.com, al, 28 Aug. 2021 See all Example Sentences for elevate 

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Latin elevatus, past participle of elevare, from e- + levare to raise — more at lever

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elevate was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near elevate

elev

elevate

elevated

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Elevate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

elevate

verb
el·​e·​vate
ˈel-ə-ˌvāt
elevated; elevating
1
: to lift up or make higher : raise
2
: to raise in rank or importance
3
: to improve the mind or spirits of
Etymology

Verb

Latin elevatus, past participle of elevare "to lift up," from e- "away" and levare "to raise" — related to lever

More from Merriam-Webster on elevate

Nglish: Translation of elevate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of elevate for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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