To lift or raise something to a higher position, level, or status. Can refer to physical lifting, moral improvement, or increasing importance or quality.
From Latin 'elevatus', past participle of 'elevare' meaning 'to lift up' ('e-' meaning 'out' + 'levare' meaning 'to raise'). The word entered English in the 15th century, initially with physical meaning, later developing metaphorical senses of moral or social advancement.
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