Elated - Word of the Day for IELTS Speaking and Writing

Among the many English words that describe happiness, the word of the day ‘elated’ stands out because it conveys a deep, uplifting, and sometimes overwhelming sense of joy. It is stronger than ‘happy’ and more expressive than ‘glad’, making it perfect for formal writing and impactful speech. 

In this blog, we will look into the meaning, the origin, and the history of the word 'elated', learn the correct way to use the word when taking the IELTS exam, with some top synonyms for common adjectives in IELTS Speaking & Writing, and take some practice exercises to improve our understanding.

Meaning of Elated 

• Pronunciation: /ɪˈleɪtɪd/ (sounds like e.layt·uhd)

The word ‘elated’ is used to express intense happiness or excitement, often after something highly positive or long-awaited has happened. It is an adjective commonly used in both spoken and written English when someone feels uplifted or overjoyed. 

History and Origin of Elated 

The word ‘elated’ has an interesting linguistic journey rooted in classical languages. It originally referred not only to emotional uplift but literally to something being ‘raised’ or ‘lifted’ above normal emotions. Over time, its meaning shifted from ‘proudly elevated’ to ‘joyfully elevated', which is how we use it today.

Usage & Examples of Elated 

Before applying the word ‘elated’ in IELTS contexts, you should understand how it fits into everyday and formal communication. So, given below are some sentences that use the word in various contexts.

• The three of us worked together excellently, elated and playful.
• Nor was the thought that he alone might hold the key to the mystery the sole component in his strangely elated state.
• She was elated when she received her scholarship letter after months of hard work.
• The team felt elated after winning the championship in the final seconds of the game.
• The students were elated after the research project received international recognition.
• She felt elated after finally receiving a promotion she had worked hard for.
• His heart was elated, lifted by hope for the first time in months.

IELTS Usage of ‘Elated’

In IELTS Speaking and Writing, ‘elated’ can help express complex emotions, especially when discussing achievements, personal goals, or memorable moments. Using the word naturally shows emotional awareness and lexical precision. 

Let’s explore a few examples of how you can use ‘elated’ in the writing and speaking modules of the IELTS exam.

IELTS Writing Task 2

• Topic: Some people think success depends mainly on luck, while others believe hard work is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Answer Excerpt: People often feel elated when they achieve success, but this emotional high usually follows years of dedication rather than mere luck.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

• Question: Do you think people today experience happiness differently than in the past?
• Sample Answer: “Yes, to some extent. People today often feel elated because of instant rewards, like social media likes or quick achievements. In the past, happiness was more connected to long-term milestones, which created deeper satisfaction.”

Synonyms of Elated 

In the table, you will find some close synonyms for IELTS Writing and Speaking of the word ‘elated’, each explained with the word meaning and a sample sentence.

Antonyms of Elated 

To strengthen understanding and expand your IELTS vocabulary, it is equally useful to know words that express the opposite of ‘elated’. 

Exercise to Master the Meaning of Elated 

You can use the exercises provided to improve your understanding of the word ‘elated’.

1. ……………………. with the election victory, the crowd waved banners and chanted
2. At other times, he suffered serious infections and pneumonia and became very …………………….
3. In my ………………… opinion, Sarah is not so much interested in old relationships as new
4. They can be changed only by agreement or by the adjudication of a ………………… authority such as an international court
5. Family sentiment linked to a particular place is not a modern …………………..
6. In this competition, while a …………………… advantage lies with what exists, all tactical advantage is with the acceptable.

Answer Keys

1. elated
2. depressed
3. humble
4. lawful
5. phenomenon
6. strategic

To conclude, ‘elated’ is an emotionally rich and expressive adjective that fits naturally into narratives about success, memorable experiences, or personal achievements. So, master this word, along with its synonyms, antonyms, and usage contexts, and make it one of the common English words used in IELTS Speaking test and writing module to strengthen your expressive range and confidence.

Useful Links:

• Cumbersome: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Garrulous: Word Meaning, Examples, Origin & Usage in IELTS
• Word of the Day Rhapsodic - Meaning, Usage & IELTS Examples
• Ebullient - IELTS Word of the Day for Speaking & Writing
• Idioms and Expressions about Happiness and Anger: Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
• Practical Tips on How to Improve Vocabulary for the IELTS Exam