el|e|vate

el|e|vate «EHL uh vayt», verb, -vat|ed, -vat|ing, adjective.

–v.t.

1. to lift up; raise: »

He elevated the dumbwaiter to the second floor.

SYNONYM(S): hoist.

2. Figurative. to raise in rank or station: »

The soldier was elevated to a higher rank for bravery. When the president of the company retired, the vice-president was elevated to his position.

SYNONYM(S): promote, advance, exalt. See syn. under raise. (Cf. ↑raise)

3. Figurative. to raise in quality: »

Reading good books elevates your mind.

SYNONYM(S): promote, advance, exalt. See syn. under raise. (Cf. ↑raise)

4. Figurative. to put in high spirits; make joyful or proud; elate.

5. to raise (the voice).

–adj.

Poetic. elevated.

╂[< Latin ēlevāre (with English -ate¹) < ex- out + levāre lighten, raise < levis light]