elevate

1 of 2

adjective

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

elevate

2 of 2

verb

el·​e·​vate ˈe-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce elevate (audio)
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
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
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
Verb
The team’s analysis revealed participants who consumed at least 3.53 ounces of whole eggs daily—about two large eggs—had significantly elevated BMD levels in their femurs and spines. Sarah Garone, Health, 23 Mar. 2024 Yellow mustard is traditional in egg salad because its tanginess elevates the eggs’ richness. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 21 Mar. 2024 In addition to electing three female U.S. senators, Californians have elevated numerous women to statewide office. Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 For example, elevate their beauty and grooming routines with luxury skin care sets or set them up for success in their first job with a tech gift like noise-canceling earbuds. Nykia Spradley, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2024 Both sources indicate cases of norovirus is currently elevated in Wisconsin, which is expected this time of year, said Wisconsin Department of Health Services spokesperson Elizabeth Goodsitt. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 The look was elevated by Lohan's oversized Y2K-like sunnies, a gold Dolce & Gabbana clutch and Type Jewelry's Tube Drip Diamond Hoop Earrings. Lindsay Kimble, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 The Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme — unveiled at the recent Berlin Film Festival — aims to turbocharge international collaboration and elevate Hong Kong cinema worldwide by connecting Hong Kong directors with their European peers. Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Mar. 2024 The February consumer price index is projected to show another monthly leap in prices that keeps annual inflation elevated and the Federal Reserve wary about cutting interest rates in the near term. USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'elevate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near elevate

Cite this Entry

“Elevate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevate. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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