elevate

adjective el·e·vate \ ˈe-lə-ˌvāt , -vət \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

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Examples: elevate in a Sentence

Definition of elevate

archaic

: elevated

First Known Use of elevate

14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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elevate

verb el·e·vate \ ˈe-lə-ˌvāt \

Definition of elevate

elevated; elevating

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

See elevate defined for English-language learners

See elevate defined for kids

Examples of elevate in a Sentence

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 of elevate from the Web

Or steel pans of colorful bindhi masala that elevated okra to a savory main dish or reliable tarka dal that turned lentils into a smooth celebration of cumin and ginger.

— mike sutter, San Antonio Express-News, "Review: India Oven brings the heat on West Avenue," 12 July 2018
This helps keep temperatures elevated a bit, with lows mostly in the mid-60s to around 70.

— ian livingston, Washington Post, "PM Update: A few chances for quick-hitting rain drops through Thursday, but it’s mostly smooth sailing," 11 July 2018
This is a visual reminder that art has historically excluded people of color — while rightfully elevating their craft to fine art status.

— meagan fredette, refinery29.com, "If You Want To See The Art In Beyoncé & Jay Z’s Video, The Louvre Has You Covered," 7 July 2018
The bench production is just shy of a league-record pace, elevating Sporting Kansas City to the best point total in the Western Conference.

— sam mcdowell, kansascity, "Montreal pitches shut out, ends Sporting KC's nine-game unbeaten streak," 30 June 2018
Then-acting athletic director Damon Evans — who was elevated to a permanent position June 25 — said McNair had difficulty recovering after completing 10, 110-yard dashes.

— don markus, baltimoresun.com, "DJ Durkin was at workout where Jordan McNair was carted off, according to summary released by Maryland," 12 July 2018
Ana Garcia, who served as village manager when Atesiano was first elevated to chief in January 2013, said the federal charges of framing a teen conflicted with the chief’s reputation in the village.

— charles rabin, jay weaver and david ovalle, miamiherald, "The chief wanted perfect stats, so cops were told to pin crimes on blacks, probe found," 12 July 2018
Seemingly seeking to turn over a new leaf, Wheeler spoke with reporters from The Post and the Wall Street Journal shortly after learning he would be elevated.

— dino grandoni, Washington Post, "The Energy 202: The EPA won't change policy after Pruitt. But it might be more transparent about it.," 10 July 2018
Tina Becker, who was elevated to COO in December, announced her resignation shortly after the sale was official—that was not unexpected.

— jonathan jones, SI.com, "Flag Football, CFL and Making the Most of Football’s Dog Days," 10 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elevate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of elevate

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

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First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

elevate Synonyms

Phrases

kick upstairs;

Synonym Discussion of 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

ELEVATE Defined for English Language Learners

elevate

verb

Definition of elevate for English Language Learners

: to lift (something) up
: to increase the level of (something) : to make (something) higher
: to raise (someone) to a higher rank or level

ELEVATE Defined for Kids

elevate

verb el·e·vate \ ˈe-lə-ˌvāt \

Definition of elevate for Students

elevated; elevating

: to lift up : raise

Word Root of elevate

The Latin word levis, meaning “lightweight,” gives us the root lev. Words from the Latin levis have something to do with being light in weight. To levitate is to be so light as to rise up into the air. To elevate is to lift something up to a higher level as if it is lightweight. A lever is a bar used to help lift something up by making it feel lighter than it is.