English

exultant

gb/ɪɡzˈʌltənt/ us/ɪɡzˈʌltənt/
C1 English
Senses
0 senses
adjective formal C1 state
1

extremely happy about success

very happy because you won or did well

Usage pattern: feel/be exultant (about/over/at) [something]
Common mistake:
Do not use it to mean simply “happy” in everyday situations; it usually suggests happiness about a success. Also, it is an adjective (not a verb).
Synonyms
elated (Very happy and excited, often after success; slightly more common.) | jubilant (Publicly joyful, often in a group celebration.) | triumphant (Emphasizes victory and confidence as well as happiness.)
Antonyms
dejected (Sad and disappointed, often after failure.) | downcast (Quietly sad or discouraged.) | despondent (Very discouraged and without hope.)
Collocations
feel exultant |be exultant |exultant about the result |exultant over the victory |exultant at the news |exultant after the win |exultant with joy |exultant supporters |exultant fans |exultant mood
Themes
emotions |success |sports |daily_life
Examples
  • She was exultant after being promoted to team lead.
  • The players looked exultant as they lifted the trophy.
  • He felt exultant at the news that his novel had won an award.
Learner examples
  • I was exultant when I passed the exam.
  • They were exultant after the match.
adjective formal C1 property
2

showing triumphant happiness

looking or sounding very happy because you won

Usage pattern: an/their exultant [smile/cry/tone/voice]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it for any positive expression; it usually implies a strong, victorious kind of happiness.
Synonyms
joyful (General happiness; less specific about victory or success.) | ecstatic (Even stronger excitement; not necessarily linked to winning.) | gleeful (Light, playful delight; can sound slightly childish or smug.)
Antonyms
mournful (Expressing sadness, especially about a loss.) | somber (Serious and not cheerful in mood or expression.) | crestfallen (Looking disappointed or embarrassed after failure.)
Collocations
exultant smile |exultant grin |exultant shout |exultant cry |exultant cheer |exultant tone |exultant voice |exultant message |exultant celebration |exultant crowd
Themes
emotions |communication |success
Examples
  • An exultant roar rose from the stands when the final goal went in.
  • She gave him an exultant smile as the results appeared on the screen.
  • His exultant tone made it clear he had gotten the job.
Learner examples
  • He had an exultant smile.
  • We heard exultant cheers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
exultant
IPA
GB/ɪɡzˈʌltənt/
US/ɪɡzˈʌltənt/
Syllables & stress
ex - ult - ant (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ult)
Word forms
Adjective
  • Base: exultant
  • Comparative: exultanter
  • Superlative: exultantest
Word family
Forms
exultanter adjective exultantest adjective
Core family
exult verb exultation noun C1
Advanced or less common
exultantly adverb
Expressions

No expressions linked to this entry yet.

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