elated
ih-LAY-tid
/ɪˈleɪ.tɪd/
Ecstatically happy or in high spirits, often after success or good news.
Carries a metaphor of being lifted or carried upwards off the ground by happiness.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'elatus', the past participle of 'efferri' (from 'ex-' out + 'ferre' to carry). Literally, it means carried out of oneself or lifted high above normal ground.
Word relationships
- overjoyed: 'Overjoyed' means filled with happiness, whereas 'elated' keeps the subtle image of feeling lifted high.
- deflated: 'Deflated' means feeling brought down and stripped of enthusiasm.
Commonly confused with
- elevated: 'Elevated' means physically raised or exalted in rank, not necessarily happy.
Word family
- elation (noun): Great happiness and exhilaration.
Collocations
- elated by
- elated at
- feel elated
- elated expression
Idioms & expressions
- on top of the world
- walking on air
Example sentences
- "She was elated when she opened the acceptance letter from her dream university." Receiving positive news
Memory hook
ELATED sounds like ELEVATED — lifted up to the clouds in joy. Elevated into high spirits.
When not to use
Avoid using to describe general calm satisfaction.
Fun facts
- The past participle stem 'latus' in Latin is also the source for words like 'translate' (carried across) and 'collate' (brought together).
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