Elated
/ɪˈleɪtɪd/
adjectiveB2past participle (used as adjective)
Definition
Elated describes a strong feeling of happiness and excitement, often because of success or good news. It is more than just being happy; it is a high, joyful emotion that makes someone feel very pleased and proud.
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See It in Action
Feeling very happy and proud because of success or good news
- •She was elated when she heard she got the job.
- •They felt elated after winning the championship.
- •I was elated to see my old friend again after many years.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "elated" like "happy" (A1 word), but much stronger and more excited—like happiness with extra energy
- ✓Picture someone jumping up with a big smile after winning a prize or hearing great news
- ✓It’s the feeling you get when something wonderful happens, like passing an important exam or getting a gift you wanted
- ✓Sounds like "I LATE-ed" → imagine being so happy you say "I’m late!" but in a joyful way because you are too excited to wait
- ✓Think of a character in a movie who just won a big award and feels on top of the world—this is elated
- ✓NOT like "happy" (calm, normal joy), elated is more energetic and intense
- ✓NOT like "excited" (which can be nervous or anxious), elated is purely joyful and proud
Try Other Words
- •Overjoyed: feeling extremely happy (Use when you want to show very strong happiness, similar to elated)
- •Thrilled: very excited and happy (Use when happiness comes with excitement, often about events or news)
- •Joyful: full of joy and happiness (Use when focusing on a calm but strong feeling of happiness)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "e-" (from Latin meaning "out") + root "late" (from Latin "laetari" meaning to be glad or joyful) + suffix "-ed" (past participle/adjective form)
- •Etymology: From Latin "elatus," past participle of "effere" meaning to lift up or carry out joyfully
- •Historical development: Originally meant "lifted up" in a physical or emotional sense; now means feeling very happy or proud
- •Modern usage: Used to describe a strong, joyful feeling, often after good news or success
Reflect & Connect
•How do you feel when you are elated compared to just happy? Can you describe a time you felt this way?
•Why do you think people sometimes show their elation with big actions like jumping or shouting?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was elated ___ receiving the award because it showed her hard work paid off.
2.Being elated usually means feeling ___ than just happy or pleased.
3.After the good news, he was so elated that he couldn’t ___ still.
4.Elated is different from excited because it focuses more on ___ and pride than nervous energy.
5.People often feel elated ___ success or important achievements.
6.When someone is elated, they might smile ___ and talk about their happiness.
7.You would feel elated if you worked hard and finally ___ your goal.