verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

elevate

EH-luh-vayt

Elevate (verb) means to physically raise something to a higher position. Example: “The doctor told him to elevate his leg to reduce the swelling.”

verb

To physically raise something to a higher position.

"The doctor told him to elevate his leg to reduce the swelling."

"A hydraulic lift elevated the car so the mechanic could work underneath."

To raise someone's rank, status, or the quality of something.

"The promotion elevated her to head of the department."

"A splash of saffron can elevate a simple rice dish."

How to use elevate

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo lift something up physically, or to raise someone or something in status, quality, or intensity.

Common pairings

elevate your leg elevate someone to a position elevate the mood

Word forms

more elevate comparative, elevated past tense, elevates singular, most elevate superlative

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The doctor told him to _____ his leg to reduce the swelling.

Etymology

From Latin ēlevō ("to raise up"), from ē- ("out") plus levō ("to lighten, lift"), related to "levity" and "lever."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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raise advance promote lift upgrade get up bring up kick upstairs

Related words

go come early further higher fall stand pass

Rhymes for elevate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

See all rhymes for elevate →

Frequently asked questions

What does “elevate” mean?

The word “elevate” means to physically raise something to a higher position. In plain terms, to lift something up physically, or to raise someone or something in status, quality, or intensity.

How do you pronounce “elevate”?

“Elevate” is pronounced EH-luh-vayt (/ˈɛləveɪt/ in IPA).

How do you use “elevate” in a sentence?

Here is “elevate” used in a sentence: “The doctor told him to elevate his leg to reduce the swelling.”

What part of speech is “elevate”?

“Elevate” is a verb.

Where does the word “elevate” come from?

The word “elevate” comes from Latin. From Latin ēlevō ("to raise up"), from ē- ("out") plus levō ("to lighten, lift"), related to "levity" and "lever.".

Is “elevate” a common word?

“Elevate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “elevate” have?

“Elevate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to physically raise something to a higher position.

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