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elated
/ɪˈleɪtɪd/
extremely happy
She was elated when she heard she got the job.
She felt overwhelming joy upon receiving the job offer.
formal
extremely happy and excited
The team felt elated after winning the championship.
The team experienced intense joy following their victory.
He was elated to see his family after years apart.
He felt overwhelming happiness upon reuniting with his family.
Often used to describe a sudden or intense surge of happiness, typically in response to good news or success.
Pro Tip
Avoid redundancy with 'very'
Since 'elated' already conveys extreme happiness, avoid phrases like 'very elated' or 'extremely elated'—it’s redundant. Use 'elated' alone for maximum impact.
Gold Rule
Use for intense, temporary joy
Elated describes a brief, intense feeling of happiness, often in response to a specific event. It is not suitable for describing long-term contentment or mild happiness.
Word Origin
From Latin *elatus* (past participle of *efferre*, meaning 'to lift up' or 'exalt'), via Old French *elate* (proud, lifted up). The sense of extreme happiness emerged in the late 16th century.
Usage Notes
Elated is stronger than 'happy' or 'pleased' and implies a heightened emotional state. It is often used in formal or literary contexts but can also appear in everyday speech. Avoid overusing it in casual conversation unless emphasizing the intensity of joy.
Word Breakdown
e-
out, upward
prefix-latus
carried, lifted
root-ed
past participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary