Word
Definition
v. to raise something to a higher position or level. You can use it for physical things, like lifting an object, or for ideas, like making a simple meal feel special.
v. to raise to a higher physical position; to promote to a higher rank or status. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Examples
“The new lighting will elevate the look of the room.”
“Adding fresh herbs can elevate a simple pasta dish into something truly gourmet.”
“The architect designed the building on a raised platform to elevate it above the surrounding landscape and provide better views of the valley.”
Examples
simple
“The new lighting will elevate the look of the room.”
contextual
“Adding fresh herbs can elevate a simple pasta dish into something truly gourmet.”
complex
“The architect designed the building on a raised platform to elevate it above the surrounding landscape and provide better views of the valley.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “elevate” in context.
Verb
01. elevate the conversation
“Instead of focusing on petty grievances, we should try to elevate the conversation to more meaningful topics.”
verb + noun
02. elevate the dish with fresh herbs
“A simple squeeze of lemon and some parsley can truly elevate the dish.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
03. elevate the status of the profession
“The new certification program aims to elevate the status of the profession globally.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
Noun
04. attempt to elevate the brand
“Their latest marketing campaign is a clear attempt to elevate the brand to a luxury tier.”
noun + infinitive
Adverb
05. artificially elevate prices
“The company was accused of conspiring to artificially elevate prices during the shortage.”
adv + verb
06. significantly elevate the risk
“Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can significantly elevate the risk of respiratory issues.”
adv + verb
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“A “particularly dangerous situation” alert elevates that warning, indicating a high risk of damage from an extremely rare and hazardous event.” “And being able to afford SAT tutoring and to take the test multiple times is known to elevate scores on the coachable exam.” “To have the best possibility to compete in every competition that’s for sure.”
Arteta added: “We’re going to prepare to elevate our level, expecting that the rest will do the same.” “It elevates the computer revolution of the 21st century to a universal process that every technological civilisation will follow.” Etymology
From Middle English elevaten (“to raise up, erect; to elate, inflate (e.g. with pride); (alchemy) to vaporize; (of a bone, excressence, blood vessel) to protrude”), from elevat(e) (“(in physical elevation, in rank, in altitude above the horizon) high”, also used as the past participle of elevaten) + -en (verb-forming suffix), further from Latin ēlevātus, the perfect passive participle of ēlevō (“to raise, lift up”), from ē- (“out”) + levō (“to make light, to lift”), from levis (“light”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix); see levity and lever.
From Middle English elevat(e) (“(in physical elevation, in rank, in altitude above the horizon) high”, also used as the past participle of elevaten), see -ate (adjective-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more. Cognate with French élevé.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/elevate
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0