What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elating
Example
Winning the game was an elating experience. [elating: adjective]
Example
The music was so beautiful that it was elating. [elating: gerund or present participle]
exhilarating
Example
Skydiving was an exhilarating experience. [exhilarating: adjective]
Example
The roller coaster ride was so exhilarating that I screamed with joy. [exhilarating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Exhilarating is more commonly used than elating in everyday language. Exhilarating is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while elating is less common and refers to a specific type of positive emotion.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between elating and exhilarating?
Both elating and exhilarating are formal words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, exhilarating may be used more often in informal contexts due to its versatility.