Exalted    (pronounced ig-zawl-tid) adjective
and Exaltation    (pronounced eg-zawl-tay-shun) noun


Definition

both from the verb exalt.

EXALT (pronounced ig-zawlt) = 1. to raise in rank, power, character, or status; elevate. 2. to praise a person or thing highly; hold in very high regard; extol; glorify. 3. to increase the effect of; intensify; heighten.

EXALTED = 1. elevated, as in status, rank, or character; held in very high regard. 2. (of thought, expression, manner, etc.) noble; lofty; grand. 3. ecstatic; exultantly joyful. 4. exaggerated; pretentious; unduly enlarged.

EXALTATION = 1. the act of exalting or the state of being exalted. 2. a feeling (often excessive or pathological) of intense happiness, well-being, or power; elation; ecstasy.

Main Example

  • Gregory Peck's death this past summer was mourned throughout the world. His convincing portrayal of characters that had an unshakable moral compass--in films such as "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "Gentleman's Agreement"--had catapulted him to the ranks of our most exalted actors.

    Workplace Examples

  • Some of their champagne popping and wild exaltation over winning that huge contract may be misplaced. I believe this new customer is so unusually demanding that the deal may well turn out to be more pain than gain!

    Learn to Disarm and Neutralize your Critics and Detractors.

  • Looks like the move to New Mexico has done wonders for Wayne. He sent me an e-mail the other day describing how exalted he feels. . . that it is like starting a new life!

    Other Examples

  • your telling a friend: "Skip loves to corner people at parties and go into detail about his lofty and exalted notions on the purpose of life and man's role on this planet."

  • people who disdain advice because they have an exalted sense of their intelligence and know-how

  • an autobiography that is nothing more than an exercise in self-exaltation

  • the abstract landscape paintings by the great Canadian artist Emily Carr exalting a viewer's imagination

  • the exaltation of the New York City Fire Department following Sept. 11; the recent exaltation of Mother Theresa to sainthood

    © 2004 V.J. Singal

    This Month's Other Words

    Frisson
    Lacerating
    Albatross
    Revulsion
    Bastion
    Draconian
    Implacable

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