Word
uplifting
Phoneticsup·lift·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈəˌpɫɪftɪŋ/
UK/ʌplˈɪftɪŋ/
Definition
adj. something that makes you feel happy, hopeful, or full of energy. You use this to describe things like music, movies, or stories that improve your mood.
adj. inspiring a sense of happiness, optimism, or spiritual well-being. Often used to describe creative works or personal experiences that provide emotional encouragement.
Examples
“The movie has a very uplifting ending.”
“After a difficult week at work, she found the choir's performance incredibly uplifting.”
“The speaker delivered an uplifting address that focused on community resilience and the potential for positive change despite the current economic climate.”
Examples
simple
“The movie has a very uplifting ending.”
contextual
“After a difficult week at work, she found the choir's performance incredibly uplifting.”
complex
“The speaker delivered an uplifting address that focused on community resilience and the potential for positive change despite the current economic climate.”
Usage
Commonly follows linking verbs like 'be', 'feel', or 'find'; frequently modifies nouns like 'story', 'message', or 'experience'.
Real-World Examples
“Photograph: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images It’s the kindness of strangers that makes the documentary so uplifting.” “Uplifting and achingly funny, the original New York production was the biggest winner of the 2023 Tony awards.” Etymology
From uplift + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/uplifting