exaltation
UK[ˌɛɡzɔːlˈteɪʃən]US[ˌɛɡzɔːlˈteɪʃən]
n
a feeling or state of extreme happiness.
n
the action of praising someone or something highly.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
alt
ation
ex
out of, thoroughly, upward
alt
high
ation
Etymology
the word "exaltation" entered english in the late 14th century via old french from the latin "exaltationem," a noun of action from the verb "exaltare." this verb itself is a compound of the prefix "ex-" (meaning "out, up") and "altus" (meaning "high"), literally conveying the sense of "to raise high." the core logic of the word, from its ancient components to its modern abstract meanings, is one of elevation. the physical act of lifting something up evolved metaphorically into the act of praising someone highly (raising their status) and further into the psychological state of being lifted up in spirit, hence the feeling of extreme happiness or elation.
Analysis
Structure: ex + alt + ation
ex- (latin origin, a prefix meaning "out of, thoroughly, upward")
alt (latin origin, from the root of "altus," meaning "high")
-ation (latin origin, a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or its result)
Examples
she felt a profound sense of exaltation after completing the marathon.
the poem is an exaltation of nature's beauty.
his exaltation to the peerage was celebrated throughout the county.