Exalt
/ɪɡˈzɔːlt/
verbC1
Definition
Exalt means to lift someone or something up in importance or value by praising or honoring them. It often shows great respect or admiration, sometimes making the person or thing seem better or higher than usual.
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See It in Action
To praise someone or something highly
- •The teacher exalted the student's hard work during the ceremony.
- •The poem exalts the beauty of nature.
- •Leaders often exalt heroes to inspire others.
To raise someone or something to a higher rank or position
- •The king exalted his loyal knight to a noble position.
- •The company exalted her to the role of manager.
- •In some cultures, elders are exalted for their wisdom.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "exalt" like "praise" (a simple A2 word), but much stronger and more formal—like putting someone on a high pedestal
- ✓Picture a king standing on a tall throne, with people looking up and clapping to show respect
- ✓It's the feeling when you deeply admire someone and want others to see how great they are
- ✓Sounds like "egg-ZAULT" → imagine an egg jumping up high (like being lifted up) with great energy
- ✓In stories, heroes or gods are exalted because they are praised as very special or powerful
- ✓NOT like "complain" (talk badly); exalt is the opposite—talk very well about someone or something
- ✓NOT like "praise" (can be casual); exalt is more serious and often public or official
- ✓NOT like "ignore" (not paying attention); exalt means to give a lot of attention and honor
Try Other Words
- •Honor: to show great respect (Use when focusing on respect rather than just words of praise)
- •Glorify: to make something seem wonderful or great (Use when emphasizing making something look very impressive or perfect)
- •Celebrate: to show happiness or respect for someone or something (Use when the focus is on joyful recognition)
Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: "ex-" (out, up) + "alt" (from Latin "altus" meaning high or tall)
- •Etymology: From Latin "exaltare," meaning to raise high or lift up
- •Historical development: Used since the 1400s in English to mean lifting someone in rank or praise
- •Modern usage: Used in formal or literary language to mean praising highly or raising in status
Reflect & Connect
•How does exalting someone affect the way others see that person?
•Can exalting something too much cause problems? When might that happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.The coach exalted the player's ___ after the big win to motivate the team.
2.When a leader is exalted, they usually receive ___ respect from others.
3.Exalt is different from praise because it often involves ___ or official recognition.
4.People exalt heroes to ___ others to be brave or kind.
5.The poem exalted the ___ of the mountains, making readers feel awe.
6.Exalting someone means to lift them ___ in the eyes of others.
7.Sometimes, if you exalt someone too much, you might ___ their faults or mistakes.