exult

[ ig-zuhlt ]

verb (used without object)

1. to show or feel a lively or triumphant joy; rejoice exceedingly; be highly elated or jubilant:

   They exulted over their victory.

   Synonyms: revel, glory, delight

2. Obsolete. to leap, especially for joy.

exult

/ ɪɡˈzʌlt; ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃən /

verb

1. to be joyful or jubilant, esp because of triumph or success; rejoice
2. often foll by over to triumph (over); show or take delight in the defeat or discomfiture (of)

Usage

See exalt

Derived Forms

• exˈultingly, adverb
• exultation, noun

Other Words From

• ex·ulting·ly adverb
• self-ex·ulting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exult¹

1560–70; < Latin ex ( s ) ultāre to leap up, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + -sultāre (combining form of saltāre to leap)

Word History and Origins

Origin of exult¹

C16: from Latin exsultāre to jump or leap for joy, from saltāre to leap

Example Sentences

If the jury can’t reach a decision, Trump will exult that even a jury of Manhattanites in one of the most liberal jurisdictions in the nation failed to find him culpable — another moral victory declaration.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a thumping, reverberating, woofer-rattling, arena-scale sensation, something to exult in even when it doesn’t always go right.

From New York Times

I’d give $100 to hear this oh-so-proper Englishman exult and declare himself “King of the World” when that happens.

From Los Angeles Times

Double time drumming, frenetic percussion and hyperactive keyboard counterpoint roil around a melody that rises resolutely over descending chords, while breakneck solos from Dontae Winslow on trumpet and Washington on saxophone exult in sheer agility and emotional peaks.

From New York Times

On the other side of the Capitol, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer opened the chamber warning of the right-wing extremes that “seem to exult in shutting down government.”

From Washington Times

Related Words

• gloat
• revel