Elation
/ɪˈleɪʃən/
nounB2
Definition
Elation means a very strong feeling of joy and happiness. It happens when someone feels very pleased or excited, often after good news or success. It is stronger than just being happy.
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⚡ See It in Action
A very strong feeling of happiness and excitement
- •She felt elation when she heard she got the job.
- •The team was full of elation after winning the championship.
- •His elation was clear when he saw his family after a long time.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "elation" like "happy," but much bigger and stronger—like happiness with extra energy.
- ✓Picture jumping up and down or smiling widely after winning a game or hearing great news.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when something wonderful happens and you feel light and excited inside.
- ✓Sounds like "I-LAY-shun" → Imagine laying down on a soft cloud because you feel so happy and light.
- ✓Think of a person who just got a surprise gift or passed an important exam—they feel elation.
- ✓NOT like "content" (quiet happiness), elation is loud and full of energy.
- ✓NOT like "sadness" or "calm," elation is full of joy and excitement.
- ✓NOT like "joy" (which can be calm), elation is more energetic and often shows on the outside.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Joy: strong feeling of pleasure or happiness (Use when the feeling is strong but can be calm or quiet)
- •Excitement: feeling of eager happiness or enthusiasm (Use when the feeling includes energy and anticipation)
- •Happiness: general feeling of being happy (Use for everyday or less intense feelings)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "elate" (to make happy) + suffix "-ion" (a noun ending meaning "the state of")
- •Etymology: From Latin "elatus," meaning "carried away" or "lifted up," used to describe a lifted mood or spirit
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to describe a feeling of being uplifted or very happy
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in writing and speech to describe strong, joyful feelings after good events
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can you remember a time when you felt elation? What caused that feeling?
•How is elation different from simple happiness in your daily life?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.She felt elation ___ receiving the award because it showed her hard work was recognized.
2.Elation often comes ___ a big success or happy surprise.
3.Unlike calm happiness, elation usually makes people ___ or smile broadly.
4.When someone feels elation, they do not feel ___ or sad.
5.The feeling of elation can ___ a person’s energy and make them want to celebrate.
6.You would not use elation to describe quiet, peaceful ___.
7.After the game, the players’ elation was clear from their ___ and cheering.