Elation

mediumPositive tone

ih-LAY-shun

noun

Definition

Great happiness and exhilaration

Memory hook

E-LATE-ion: You're on cloud nine, ELEVATED with happiness -- pure elation!

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Word roots

elatusraised up, exalted(Latin)

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Examples

She felt elation when she received the acceptance letter.
The team's elation was evident after winning the championship.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

She felt ______ when she received the acceptance letter.
Show answer

elation

Synonyms

Antonyms

despairdepressiondejectionmisery

Categories

View all Emotion words

GRE Tip

Elation is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "euphoria" or "jubilation" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "despair".

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