elevate

1 of 2

verb

el·​e·​vate ˈe-lə-ˌvāt 

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

elevate

2 of 2

adjective

el·​e·​vate ˈe-lə-ˌvāt 

-vət

archaic

: elevated

Synonyms of elevate

Verb

• excite
• elate
• intoxicate
• please
• delight

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

Verb

His track record of elevating teams, maximizing talent, and developing student-athletes speaks for itself. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025

Once a signal of status and power, red lipstick can elevate any look, like a high-fashion accessory for the face. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025

Still, scientists are determining whether these CMEs are heading our way, but NOAA forecasts suggest auroral activity could be elevated as the weekend begins. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

According to the National Wildlife Federation, glycerin can cause feathers to mat, decreasing insulation and elevate blood-sugar levels in birds. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

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

First Known Use

Verb

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

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for elevate

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

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