Exultation

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃən/

Definitions

1. A feeling of triumphant joy and extreme happiness, often expressed through enthusiastic celebration or elation at a success or victory
2. intense feeling of triumph and joy expressed through enthusiastic celebration or outward display of delight
3. state of extreme happiness and elation characterized by exuberant expression following success or victory

Etymology: "Exultation" comes from Latin "exsultātiō", a noun built from "exsultāre", meaning to leap up or jump for joy. The Latin verb is itself an intensive form of "salīre", to leap, so the word's physical root is a bounding movement. Its earliest sense in Latin was closer to a jump or a leaping display than to a feeling inside a person. The word reached English in Middle English as "exultacion", passing through Old French "exultacion". Across those centuries the English word kept the sense of rising up with joy, which is why it still suggests something visibly elated rather than a quiet contentment.

Synonyms: joy, jubilation, elation, delight, rejoicing

Antonyms: sorrow, despair, sadness, gloom, dejection