To exalt means to praise someone or something highly, or to raise them to a more important position. When people exalt a hero, they celebrate their courage and character with genuine admiration. When a community exalts the memory of a founder, they honor what that person accomplished and stood for.

The word suggests lifting something up, both literally in position and figuratively in importance. A nation might exalt liberty as its highest value, placing freedom at the center of its identity. A coach might exalt teamwork over individual glory, emphasizing that cooperation matters more than personal statistics.

Exalt carries a sense of elevation and dignity. It's stronger than simple praise: when you exalt something, you're declaring it worthy of special honor and respect. Religious communities often use this word when speaking of worship, as they exalt what they consider sacred.

You might encounter the adjective form exalted, which describes someone or something held in very high regard. An exalted position means an important, prestigious role. The word reminds us that some accomplishments, values, and people deserve more than casual appreciation; they deserve to be lifted up and celebrated.