brief elation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "brief elation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a short period of happiness or joy, often in a specific context where emotions are being discussed. Example: "After receiving the good news, she felt a brief elation that quickly faded into reality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

There was brief elation when the huge marble box on the Potomac opened its doors.

The New Yorker

The situation was underscored by the brief elation following media reports that the missing money might have turned up.

The New York Times

But her brief elation turned to terror when a policeman, a childhood friend, told her that she would be rearrested.

The New York Times

The scope of the protests indicates that the country's longstanding skittishness about American foreign and trade policies has overridden its brief elation over the election of the first black president in the United States.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We revel in a brief moment of elation and hope!

The New Yorker

After a brief period of elation at the announcement of Mubarak's sentence along with Adly, anger was palpable as news seeped through that the others were acquitted, along with long-time business partner Hussein Salem who remains at large, and more pertinently, no one was found guilty of ordering the deaths of protesters.

The Guardian - Opinion

While a referendum offered evidence that Ulster was turning away from violence, elation was brief as many people focused on the trials ahead.

The New York Times

Spending your evenings pounding the lonely streets of open-mic comedy won't make you rich, but it will give you brief moments of pure elation and joy that you wouldn't find in any other legal pastime.

Vice

From the vantage point of Russia in 2014, an authoritarian country at war, the brief period of post-Soviet elation appears irrelevant.

The New Yorker

The elation.

Stanford University

perhaps elation?

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "brief elation" when you want to emphasize that a feeling of happiness was short-lived, often followed by a contrasting emotion or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "brief elation" to describe major, long-lasting achievements; this phrase is more appropriate for minor, fleeting moments of joy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "brief elation" functions primarily as a noun phrase describing a state of feeling. "Brief" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "elation", indicating the short duration of the feeling. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "brief elation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a short-lived feeling of happiness or joy. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While relatively infrequent, it serves the purpose of conveying a fleeting moment of happiness, often contrasting with subsequent events. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context of temporary joy rather than sustained happiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting joy

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the joy.

momentary delight

Highlights the instantaneous and pleasurable aspect.

short-lived happiness

Directly states the happiness doesn't last long.

passing pleasure

Focuses on the transient nature of the pleasure.

transient euphoria

Uses a stronger word for happiness, but still emphasizes its briefness.

quick burst of joy

Emphasizes the sudden and intense, yet short, experience of joy.

temporary exhilaration

Highlights a feeling of excitement that is not permanent.

instant gratification

Conveys a feeling of satisfaction that is immediately received.

ephemeral happiness

Highlights the fleeting and non-lasting nature of happiness.

short-term glee

Indicates brief, cheerful enjoyment or pleasure.

FAQs

How can I use "brief elation" in a sentence?

You can use "brief elation" to describe a short period of happiness that is quickly followed by a different emotion or event. For example, "The team felt a "brief elation" after scoring the goal, but their opponents soon equalized".

What are some alternatives to "brief elation"?

Alternatives include "fleeting joy", "momentary delight", or "short-lived happiness". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "brief elation" formal or informal?

"Brief elation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in written text than in casual conversation. Other similar words, like "transient euphoria", can be more formal.

How does "brief elation" differ from "lasting joy"?

"Brief elation" emphasizes the temporary nature of happiness, while "lasting joy" indicates a more enduring and profound sense of happiness. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the short-term or long-term aspect of the emotion.