ENGLISH
REFERENCE

elevate

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈɛɫəˌveɪt// UK //ˈɛlɪvˌeɪt// el·e·vate Archaic Humorous Informal

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.


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.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

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.

Etymology 2

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.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

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