exult
/ɪɡˈzʌlt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To feel or show great joy, especially after a success or victory. It is stronger and more formal than simply feeling happy.
- They exulted after winning the match.
- She exulted in her exam results.
- The crowd exulted at the final goal.
Adinary Nuance
Exult is stronger and more formal than happy or pleased. It is close to rejoice, but exult often suggests visible excitement after success, victory, or relief. Writers choose exult when they want a powerful, elevated word, not a casual one.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- vui sướng
- Spanish
- exultar
- Chinese
- 欢欣
- Japanese
- 歓喜する
- Korean
- 환희하다
Etymology
Exult comes from Latin exsultare, meaning “to leap for joy.” It entered English in the late 1500s, first in formal writing.
Common phrases
exult in victoryexult over someoneexult at the news
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is exult formal or informal?
- Exult is formal and literary. It is common in writing, speeches, and news reports, but less common in everyday conversation.
- What is the difference between exult and rejoice?
- Both mean to feel great joy. Exult often feels stronger and more public, especially after success or victory.
- Can I use exult in a sentence about sports?
- Yes. It often fits sports, competition, and other winning situations.
- Is exult a common word in spoken English?
- Not very common. Most speakers use happy, glad, or excited instead.