Elevate
ˈɛləˌveɪt
Definitions
4 meaningsTo raise or lift (something) to a higher position.
ˈɛləˌveɪt
The platform was elevated to improve visibility.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're at a concert and you can't see the stage. The stage is elevated, so you can see. Elevate means to raise something higher.
👶 For kids: To move something up!
More Examples
We need to elevate the shelves to make them easier to reach.
The construction workers are elevating the new building's frame.
How It's Used
"The crane elevated the heavy beam into place."
"The stage was elevated so everyone could see the performance."
To improve the standard or quality of something; to raise to a higher intellectual or moral level.
ˈɛləˌveɪt
To improve the standard or quality of something.
The company is working to elevate the quality of its products.
💡 Simply: Think of making something better, like improving your cooking skills. Elevate means to make something better or of higher quality.
👶 For kids: To make something better and more special.
More Examples
His goal is to elevate the team's performance.
They're trying to elevate the discussion to a more respectful level.
How It's Used
"The new software will elevate our customer service capabilities."
"The teacher tried to elevate the students' understanding of the subject."
To promote or raise to a higher rank or position.
ˈɛləˌveɪt
To promote (someone) to a higher rank or position.
The company chose to elevate him to a senior management position.
💡 Simply: Imagine getting a promotion at work, moving up the ladder. Elevate means to give someone a better job or position.
👶 For kids: To make someone a boss!
More Examples
The team hoped to elevate their coach after winning the championship.
Her hard work led to her elevation to the rank of vice president.
How It's Used
"The board decided to elevate her to CEO."
"The general was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal."
To raise or intensify (emotions, sounds, etc.).
ˈɛləˌveɪt
To raise or intensify (emotions, sounds, etc.)
The soaring music elevated the drama of the scene.
💡 Simply: Imagine music that makes you feel stronger feelings. Elevate can mean to make feelings more intense.
👶 For kids: To make something feel bigger or stronger.
More Examples
The speaker's passionate words were designed to elevate the crowd's enthusiasm.
The stunning visuals elevated the storytelling.
How It's Used
"The music was designed to elevate the audience’s emotions."
"Her words elevated the suspense."
Idioms & expressions
elevate to
To promote someone to a particular position or status.
"The company elevated her to the position of CEO."
elevate one's game
To improve one's performance or skills, often under pressure or to match a higher standard.
"He knew he had to elevate his game to compete in the finals."
From Latin *elevare* meaning "to raise, lift up", from *e-* (out, up) + *levare* (to raise, lighten).
The word 'elevate' has been used since the 16th century, initially in a literal sense to raise something physically, and later in more abstract ways to improve or promote something.
Memory tip
Imagine an elevator going up, thus elevating to a higher place.
Word Origin
"to raise, lift up"