exultation
UK[ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃn]US[ˌɛɡzʌlˈteɪʃn]
n
a feeling of great happiness and triumph, especially because of a success.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
sult
ation
ex
out
sult
leap
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'exultation' originates from the latin verb 'exsultare', meaning 'to leap up, rejoice exceedingly'. this verb is a frequentative form of 'exsilire', which combines 'ex-' (out, upward) and 'salire' (to leap). the core imagery is of physically jumping for joy, a vivid expression of overwhelming emotion. over time, the meaning evolved from the literal act of leaping to the abstract, internal state of intense joy and jubilation, especially that arising from triumph or success. the suffix '-ation' solidifies this abstract state as a noun, completing the journey from a physical action to a psychological condition.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + sult (leap) + ation (noun suffix)
ex- (latin prefix meaning 'out, upward'); sult (from latin verb 'salire', meaning 'to leap, jump'); -ation (latin-derived noun suffix indicating an action or state).
Examples
the team's victory was met with shouts of exultation from their fans.
she could not hide her exultation upon receiving the prestigious award.
a wave of exultation swept through the crowd as the final results were announced.