exalt

[ ig-zawlt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to raise in rank, honor, power, character, quality, etc.; elevate:

   He was exalted to the position of president.

   Synonyms: ennoble, raise, dignify, promote

   Antonyms: humble

2. to praise; extol:

   to exalt someone to the skies.

   Synonyms: glorify

   Antonyms: depreciate

3. to stimulate, as the imagination:

   The lyrics of Shakespeare exalted the audience.

4. to intensify, as a color:

   complementary colors exalt each other.

5. Obsolete. to elate, as with pride or joy.

exalt

/ ɪɡˈzɔːlt /

verb

1. to raise or elevate in rank, position, dignity, etc
2. to praise highly; glorify; extol
3. to stimulate the mind or imagination of; excite
4. to increase the intensity of (a colour, etc)
5. to fill with joy or delight; elate
6. obsolete.
   to lift up physically

Usage

Exalt is sometimes wrongly used where exult is meant: he was exulting (not exalting ) in his win earlier that day

Derived Forms

• exˈalter, noun

Other Word Forms

• ex·alter noun
• self-ex·alting adjective
• super·ex·alt verb (used with object)
• unex·alting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exalt¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English exalten, from Latin exaltāre “to lift up,” from ex- ex- ¹ + alt(us) “high” + -āre, infinitive verb ending

Word History and Origins

Origin of exalt¹

C15: from Latin exaltāre to raise, from altus high

Synonym Study

See elevate.

Example Sentences

Mexican authorities have been trying to discourage positive depictions of drug traffickers, whose exploits are often lionized by bands reciting popular corridos, or ballads, exalting the criminal life.

From Los Angeles Times

Naked Acts’ was so warmly received here because the festival honored revivals alongside contemporary films as the discovery of both exalt us forward to new cinematic possibilities.”

From Los Angeles Times

The “Ode” celebrates in exalted song and irresistibly vivid instrumental invention, the wonder of music in all its processes and measures.

From Los Angeles Times

The book talks about the difference between Israel Zangwill, who exalted the “melting pot” as the ideal, and Horace Kallen, who coined the term “pluralism” as an alternative.

From Salon

It would not be far-fetched to present this as exalted music theater.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dignify
• extol
• glorify
• laud
• magnify
• revere