elation
UK[ɪˈleɪ.ʃən]US[ɪˈleɪ.ʃən]
n
A feeling of great happiness and excitement.
Morpheme Breakdown
e
lat
ion
e
out
lat
carry, bear
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'elation' originates from the Latin verb 'efferre', composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'ferre' (to carry, bear). Its past participle 'elatus' literally meant 'carried out' or 'lifted up'. This literal sense of being physically raised evolved metaphorically in Late Latin 'elationem' to describe a state of being 'lifted up in spirit' or 'exalted'. In English, this abstract meaning crystallized into the modern sense of a feeling of intense joy and high spirits, as if one's emotions have been elevated and carried away.
Analysis
Structure: e (out) + lat (carry, bear) + ion (noun suffix)
e: Latin prefix, a variant of 'ex-', meaning 'out of, from'.
lat: From the Latin verb stem 'lat-', meaning 'to carry, to bear'.
ion: Latin suffix '-ion', used to form nouns indicating an action, process, or state.
Examples
She felt a sense of pure elation after winning the championship.
His elation was evident from the broad smile on his face.
The team's victory was met with public elation and celebration.