Exaltation

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɛɡ.zɔlˈteɪ.ʃən/

Definitions

1. A profound sense of joy and elevation in one’s status or character is often experienced during moments of great achievement or celebration
2. Intense happiness and a feeling of being uplifted in dignity or importance frequently accompany significant personal or shared milestones
3. A heightened state of joy and increased sense of importance often arises from notable accomplishments or moments of collective celebration

Etymology: The Latin verb "exaltare" was built from "ex," meaning "out of" or "from," and "altus," meaning "high," so its core sense was literally lifting something out and up. That physical picture of raising something higher is the root of the word's modern meaning. English borrowed the noun in the Middle Ages, in a form that passed through Old French "exaltacion," and its earliest sense was the act of raising someone or something to a higher rank or position, not an emotion at all. The shift from rank to feeling came gradually. Once people were being exalted in status, the word naturally extended to the elevated state of mind that goes with being lifted up, first in a religious sense of spiritual elevation and then in the ordinary sense of a heightened, joyful mood. The modern meaning of intense happiness and uplift is therefore a figurative extension of the original idea of physical height.

Synonyms: elation, joy, ecstasy

Antonyms: depression, sadness