Exalt
What it means
To praise, honor, or raise someone or something to high dignity.
Reach for it when describing elevated praise that places its subject above the ordinary
The ceremony will exalt courage expressed through daily service.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
|
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playful
put on a pedestal
Fits when excessive idealization should be acknowledged
Careful The idiom is usually critical and warns against unbalanced praise.
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everyday
Fits when any clear expression of approval is meant
Careful Praise ranges from mild to strong and lacks exalt's upward elevation.
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warm
Fits when respectful recognition is the central act
Careful Honor can be measured and does not place the subject above others.
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professional
Fits when status or perceived importance increases
Careful Elevation can be administrative and need not involve praise.
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formal
Fits when praise makes the subject appear magnificent
Careful Glorify can hide faults and often carries religious overtones.
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literary
Fits when enthusiastic formal praise is openly expressed
Careful Extol concerns words of praise, while exalt can also raise rank.
Opposites 4
- abase
- debase
- denigrate
- humble
Common phrases 3
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exalt a virtue
The speech exalted courage without pretending fear was absent.
-
exalt above others
No tribute should exalt one contributor above others without evidence.
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seek to exalt
The poem seeks to exalt patient craft over sudden fame.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated