# elevation

/ˌɛɫəˈveɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɛlɪvˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/elevation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. height above sea level

noun · CEFR B2

the height of a place above the level of the sea.

For teachers: the vertical distance of a point or object above a reference datum, typically mean sea level.

- The map shows that the city is at an elevation of 2,000 metres.
- At this extreme elevation, the oxygen levels are significantly lower, making physical exertion difficult for those not acclimatised to the mountain air.

Usage: often used in geographical or technical contexts regarding terrain.

### 2. a high place

noun · CEFR B2

a piece of ground that is higher than the area around it.

For teachers: a raised area of land or a physical eminence.

- From a slight elevation in the park, you can see the whole harbour.
- The fortress was strategically positioned on a natural elevation, providing the defenders with a clear line of sight across the surrounding plains.

### 3. architectural drawing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a drawing that shows one side of a building as if you are looking straight at it.

For teachers: an orthographic projection of the exterior or interior faces of a building onto a vertical plane.

- The architect showed us the front elevation of our new house.
- The planning committee requested a detailed north elevation to assess how the proposed extension would affect the privacy of the neighbouring property.

Usage: distinguished from a 'plan', which is a top-down view.

### 4. promotion or rise

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of moving someone to a higher rank or more important position.

For teachers: the advancement of a person to a higher rank, status, or position of power.

- Her elevation to the board of directors surprised many of her colleagues.
- His sudden elevation to the peerage was seen by political commentators as a reward for years of loyal service to the party.

### 5. astronomy/ballistics

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the angle of an object above the horizon.

For teachers: the angular distance of a celestial body or a projectile above the horizon.

- The telescope was set at a sixty-degree elevation to track the star.
- The artillery officer calculated the required elevation for the cannon to ensure the shell would clear the ridge and strike the intended target.

## Examples

- The city sits at a high elevation in the mountains.
- Hikers often experience shortness of breath at this elevation because the air contains less oxygen.
- The architect submitted a detailed front elevation to the planning committee to demonstrate how the new facade would integrate with the existing historical streetscape.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.