noun

elevation

/ˌɛləˈveɪʃən/ · say it: el·uh·VAY·shun

a drawing of one face of a building

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) the height of something above the ground or sea level

2. (noun) the act of raising something to a higher position or rank

Examples

1. The mountain has an elevation of 3,500 meters.
2. Her elevation to vice president was well deserved.

How to use elevation

Elevation is used in technical contexts (geography, surveying) to denote precise measurements of height, and in formal contexts to describe promotion or advancement in rank or status. It carries a more technical or formal tone than casual alternatives like 'height' or 'rise'.

Common phrases

high elevation
sea level elevation
elevation above ground
elevation to power
rapid elevation
gain elevation

Synonyms

altitude · height · rise · promotion · advancement

Opposites

descent · demotion · reduction

Word family

elevate (verb) · elevated (adjective) · elevator (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse elevation with altitude; while they are closely related, altitude specifically refers to height above sea level, whereas elevation can refer to height above any reference point.

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