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elevate

adjective
el·​e·​vate | \ ˈe-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce elevate (audio) , -vət\

Definition of elevate

 (Entry 1 of 2)

archaic
: elevated

elevate

verb
el·​e·​vate | \ ˈe-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce elevate (audio) \
elevated; elevating

Definition of elevate (Entry 2 of 2)

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
Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about elevate

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Synonyms & Antonyms for elevate

Synonyms: Verb

elate, enrapture, exhilarate, intoxicate, transport

Antonyms: Verb

depress

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Choose the Right Synonym for elevate

Verb

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

 Lurie’s and Nora’s stories will intersect, a meeting which elevates Inland to something spectacular and timeless. — Ryan Chapman, Longreads, "‘Nobody in This Book Is Going to Catch a Break’: Téa Obreht on “Inland”," 28 Aug. 2019 The shoulder injury to Gabbert means Ryan Griffin will be elevated to the No. — Eduardo A. Encina And Rick Stroud, orlandosentinel.com, "WR Evans, QB Testaverde gearing up," 26 Aug. 2019 The communications on China from Trump and his administration since late last week — erratic, sometimes contradictory — are complicating their high-stakes talks with Beijing and elevating the risks to the fragile global economy. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Trump’s inconsistent messages on China trade heighten risks," 26 Aug. 2019 People turn inward to perfect their cooking techniques and elevate exercise and sport to a near-religion. — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, "Review: In Juli Zeh’s ‘Empty Hearts,’ the high price of moral numbness becomes clear," 17 Aug. 2019 The writing and twists elevated this to a spot among the master of suspense's best. — Brian Lowry, CNN, "Essential movies of the 1930s and '40s, from 'King Kong' to 'The Heiress'," 15 Aug. 2019 The Ascent Module’s Reaction Control System (RCS) fired as the Eagle elevated to about 13 miles below the Command Module’s orbit, rounding out its orbit around the moon. — Alex Hollings, Popular Mechanics, "The Art of the Return Trip: How NASA Got Apollo 11 Home," 24 July 2019 Lawmakers in those districts would then be able to elevate the second-place candidate to the governor’s mansion. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Mississippi Quotes John Roberts to Defend Its Racist Election Law," 19 July 2019 In addition, the project involves replacing the existing I-10 Bayway with a new 7.5-mile, eight-lane span crossing Mobile Bay elevated to a height that would be above a 100-year storm surge. — al.com, "Doug Jones says federal ‘Be Safe’ legislation could support I-10 project," 18 July 2019

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.

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First Known Use of elevate

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

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

History and Etymology for elevate

Verb

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

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More Definitions for elevate

elevate

verb
How to pronounce elevate (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of elevate

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

See the full definition for elevate in the English Language Learners Dictionary

elevate

verb
el·​e·​vate | \ ˈe-lə-ˌvāt How to pronounce elevate (audio) \
elevated; elevating

Kids Definition of elevate

: to lift up : raise

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More from Merriam-Webster on elevate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with elevate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for elevate

Spanish Central: Translation of elevate

Nglish: Translation of elevate for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of elevate for Arabic Speakers

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