Elevation

ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən

nounmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

4 meanings
1

The act of raising or lifting something to a higher level or position.

ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən

nounneutralmedium
General

The action of raising or lifting something to a higher position.

The workers focused on the elevation of the heavy machinery.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're helping your friend carry a heavy box upstairs. That's elevation – getting something to a higher spot!

👶 For kids: When something goes up higher!

More Examples

2

For a sprained ankle, doctors often recommend elevation to reduce swelling.

3

The architectural plans showed the building's elevation from different angles.

How It's Used

Construction

"The crane provided the necessary elevation of the steel beams."

Physical Therapy

"Elevation of the injured limb can help reduce swelling."

2

The height of something above a given level, especially sea level or the ground.

ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən

nounneutralBeginner
General

The height above a reference point (usually sea level).

The elevation of the campsite was 5,000 feet.

💡 Simply: The number that tells you how high something is, like how tall a mountain is compared to the ocean.

👶 For kids: How tall something is!

More Examples

2

The map showed the varying elevations of the terrain.

3

High elevations often result in cooler temperatures.

How It's Used

Geography

"The elevation of the mountain peak was measured at 8,848.86 meters above sea level."

Aviation

"The pilot adjusted the aircraft's altitude based on the changing elevation of the terrain."

Tip:Think of how high a mountain is.
3

A side view or drawing of a building, object, or landscape showing its vertical dimensions.

ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən

nounneutralmedium
General

A drawing of a building or object from a side view.

The architect presented the elevation to show the building's facade.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're drawing a picture of a house, but you're only looking at one side. That side view is the elevation.

👶 For kids: A drawing of the side of something!

More Examples

2

The blueprints included detailed elevations of all sides of the structure.

3

The elevation drawing helped the construction crew understand the building's height and features.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The architect showed the client several different elevations of the proposed building design."

Engineering

"The engineers used the elevation to analyze the structural integrity of the bridge."

Tip:Think of looking at the side of a building or object.
4

A feeling of happiness, or joy

ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən

nounpositiveAdvanced
General

A feeling of joy or exhilaration.

The beautiful music brought a feeling of elevation

💡 Simply: Imagine you're really happy about something, that joyous feeling is elevation.

👶 For kids: Feeling really, really happy!

More Examples

2

The breathtaking landscape filled me with a sense of elevation.

How It's Used

Literary

"The experience gave her a sense of elevation."

Tip:Think about feeling elevated or lifted up emotionally

From Middle English elevacioun, from Old French elevation, from Latin elevatio (“a lifting up, raising up”), from elevo (“I raise, lift up”), from levis (“light”).

The term elevation has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of lifting something up.

Memory tip

Think of the elevator lifting people to a higher floor.

elivationelavation

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written