uplifting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'uplifting' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that makes someone feel more encouraged or hopeful. Example sentence: Her positive attitude and uplifting words of encouragement motivated him to keep going.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Music

Books

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today's protest against the education cuts was uplifting: students, staff and others from all over the country gathered in their thousands to walk the route between Embankment and Tate Britain, pausing to boo at Downing Street.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's magical, somehow uplifting and upsetting at the same time, like the confused love affair – "Is this darkness or the dawn?" – the song goes on to investigate.

The Guardian - Music

Yellow is a beautiful colour, joyful and uplifting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's the mood of the record that initially captivates: it is otherworldly but uplifting as much as unsettling.

The Guardian - Music

In another film noir, Dark City (1950), she is a nightclub singer again who drifts on the edges of a shadowy criminal world, though her love for gambler Charlton Heston (in his first Hollywood role) is uplifting.

The Guardian - Film

So far, so uplifting.

The Guardian - Books

A more interesting question may well involve the ex-governor's joyfulness test, and whether a fresh Bush campaign would be a cheering, uplifting business, or a hard, expensive, bitter slog.Mr Bush speaks sense when he talks of the need for Republicans to compromise occasionally, if they want to govern.

The Economist

The harsh reality is that, however uplifting the outpouring of solidarity, Ms Le Pen's supporters will be quietly drawing their own conclusions about France and Islam.

The Economist

Mr Zhang, echoing Deng's exhortation that "to get rich is glorious", declares that it is "morally uplifting to be a wealth creator".When China's "rich list" was first published in 1999 by Forbes, an American magazine, Rupert Hoogewerf, the journalist who compiled it, was threatened by some of the people he wanted to include.

The Economist

And maybe this one will be particularly uplifting.

The Economist

Emperor Meiji grandfather of Japan's present emperor found it so spiritually uplifting that he insisted on its being placed in his hotel room whenever he visited Otaru, in the far north of the country, to inspect the herring catch.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to ensure "uplifting" accurately reflects the intended nuance. While broadly positive, it specifically implies a raising of spirits or mood.

Common error

Avoid using "uplifting" as a catch-all term for anything positive. Instead, reserve it for situations where there's a genuine sense of encouragement or a boost in morale, choosing more specific adjectives like "positive", "helpful", or "effective" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "uplifting" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that enhances mood or provides encouragement. Ludwig AI indicates this through numerous examples where "uplifting" qualifies nouns such as "speeches", "stories", and "experiences".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Film

10%

Music

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uplifting" functions as an adjective that describes something that raises one's spirits or mood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While "uplifting" is generally suitable for a variety of registers, it's crucial to use it accurately by reserving it for situations where there is genuine encouragement rather than as a generic term for everything positive. Alternative words such as "inspiring", "encouraging", and "heartening" can offer more specific nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspiring

Similar to "uplifting" in that it evokes positive feelings, but focuses more on motivation and drive.

encouraging

Focuses on providing support and confidence, slightly different from the broader positive impact of "uplifting".

heartening

Emphasizes a feeling of warmth and reassurance, whereas "uplifting" is more about raising spirits.

invigorating

Conveys a sense of renewed energy and vitality, differing from the emotional lift provided by "uplifting".

exhilarating

Suggests a strong feeling of excitement and happiness, while "uplifting" implies a more gentle elevation of mood.

cheering

Implies a sense of happiness and optimism, similar to "uplifting" but often used in a more active or celebratory context.

morale-boosting

Specifically refers to improving the confidence and enthusiasm of a group or individual, which is a more targeted effect than simply "uplifting".

soul-stirring

Indicates a profound emotional effect, often associated with art or music, whereas "uplifting" can be more generally applicable.

positive

A general term for something good, but "uplifting" implies a more specific effect of raising someone's spirits or mood.

restorative

Focuses on bringing back strength or health, which differs from the primarily emotional or mental benefit of being "uplifting".

FAQs

How can I use the word "uplifting" in a sentence?

You can use "uplifting" to describe something that raises your spirits or improves your mood. For example, "That movie had an "uplifting" message" or "Her words were very "uplifting" during a difficult time."

What are some synonyms for "uplifting"?

Alternatives to "uplifting" include "inspiring", "encouraging", or "heartening". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an uplifting experience"?

Yes, "an uplifting experience" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes an experience that leaves you feeling positive and encouraged.

What's the difference between "uplifting" and "motivating"?

"Uplifting" generally refers to raising someone's spirits or mood, while "motivating" focuses on inspiring someone to take action. Something can be both "uplifting" and "motivating", but they have distinct focuses.