exalt

To exalt someone or something is to raise them very high in honor or praise, almost as if placing them on a pedestal. Think of a hero being exalted after a great victory, or a religious figure being exalted for their teachings. It's more than simply liking or admiring something. It means treating it as especially great, worthy, or important. You might exalt a leader, a value, a belief, or someone's courage. The word often carries a feeling of deep respect.

Historically, "exalt" was linked to the idea of lifting someone up. Now it is used mostly in a figurative way, to talk about raising someone's status, importance, or worth. The word appears often in the King James Bible and in Shakespeare, where it is commonly tied to God, power, or rulers. For instance, the biblical proverb "he that humbleth himself shall be exalted" clearly shows the idea of being raised to a place of greater honor.

To exalt means to raise someone or something to a higher rank, position, or level of honor; to glorify or praise them enthusiastically. It implies a deep respect and admiration, often bordering on reverence. For example: "The crowd exalted the returning soldiers as heroes," or "She exalted her mother's wisdom and kindness."

Exalt isn't simply about acknowledging something is good—it suggests elevating it above everything else. You might exalt a particular philosophy, artistic achievement, or moral principle. It often carries religious connotations, referring to the act of worshiping God or divine beings.

The word comes from the Latin exaltare, meaning "to raise on high." This origin explains why "exalt" can also mean to physically elevate something, though this usage is less common today. You might see it in older texts describing architectural features, such as: "The cathedral's spire was exalted above the city."

Related forms can also describe an intense emotional state. For example, "He felt exalted by the beauty of the mountains" suggests a feeling of profound joy and spiritual uplift. So, whether you're praising someone for their accomplishments, glorifying a belief system, or speaking of a person or ideal as especially noble, to exalt is to lift something up in status, honor, or spirit.