elevate

To move something into a higher position.

• Elevate your feet on a pillow.
• The platform was elevated above the floor.
• She elevated the injured arm to reduce swelling.

How to use it: elevate something above something (They elevated the walkway above the wet ground.)

Similar words: raise, lift

Opposites: lower

Common phrases: elevate your legs, elevate something above, elevate the platform

To make someone or something better, more valuable, or more worthy of respect.

• Fresh herbs elevate this simple dish.
• Her performance elevated the whole film.
• Good lighting can elevate an ordinary room into a beautiful space.

How to use it: elevate something into something (Her voice elevated the song into something extraordinary.)

Similar words: improve, enhance

Common phrases: elevate a dish, elevate the experience, elevate something into

To give someone greater honour or a higher social position.

• The king elevated her to the nobility.
• The ceremony elevated him to a higher rank.
• They elevated their leader above all other citizens.

How to use it: elevate someone to something (The ruler elevated him to the rank of duke.)

Similar words: ennoble, exalt

Opposites: demote

Common phrases: elevate someone to, elevate someone above