elevate

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

Definition of elevate

archaic

: elevated

First Known Use of elevate

14th century

elevate

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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

The Irish border question, which has been elevated to top-level diplomatic talks, has no obvious answer.

— The Economist, "The six flavours of Brexit," 22 July 2017
Chen’s Ties Sun, together with Guangdong party boss Hu Chunhua, had been regarded as potentially in line to be elevated to the Standing Committee.

— keith zhai, Bloomberg.com, "Former China Chongqing Party Chief Under Probe, WSJ Says," 15 July 2017
It is digested rapidly, which means glucose charges into the bloodstream, quickly elevating blood glucose (sugar) concentration.

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "If you see 'whole wheat,' it's definitely healthy, right? Sorry, maybe not," 6 July 2017
Accessorize boldly–a statement earring, bold pair of shades, headwrap and more can elevate the overall look, while still keeping it apropos for the sea and shore.

— carrie goldberg, Harper's BAZAAR, "Simple Swim is In Again," 6 July 2017
Your justice elevates minor questions over major ones.

— norman mailer, Daily Intelligencer, "Black and White Justice," 30 June 2017
Henderson’s win in last year’s KPMG event elevated her to No. 2 in the world.

— len ziehm, USA TODAY, "Brooke Henderson sets sights on another major win," 29 June 2017
In denying the motion, the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona elevated the role of the grand jury above the First Amendment right to speak anonymously.

— jack greiner, Cincinnati.com, "Glassdoor loses motion to protect posters' identities," 27 June 2017
But Funke’s skill in elevating the familiar is clearest with pastas.

— Los Angeles Magazine, "4 New Restaurants that Make Leaving Your Air-Conditioned Home Worthwhile," 27 June 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

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

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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

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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.