When you want to write the emotion elation, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid emotion tells and immerse your readers in your story.

Elation is a feeling of great happiness or joy that is usually characterized by a sense of excitement and exhilaration. It is an intense emotion that can be experienced in response to a variety of positive events or circumstances, such as achieving a goal, receiving good news, or experiencing a moment of triumph. Elation is often accompanied by physical sensations such as a racing heart, increased energy, and a sense of euphoria. It is a powerful emotion that can inspire and motivate individuals to pursue their goals and dreams.

Different Types of Elation

Here are some different types of elation:

• Elated

Situations Associated with Elation

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of elation:

• Receiving good news or achieving a goal
• Falling in love or being loved in return
• Winning a competition or a game
• Overcoming a challenge or an obstacle
• Finding a solution to a problem
• Accomplishing something they thought was impossible
• Reuniting with a loved one after a long time apart
• Getting recognized or praised for their work or talent
• Being surprised with a pleasant gift or gesture

Physical Reactions to Elation

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing elation might have:

• A wide, genuine smile
• Bright, sparkling eyes
• Raised eyebrows
• Open body posture
• Jumping, bouncing, or skipping
• Laughing or giggling
• Clapping or cheering
• Hugging or high-fiving others
• Dancing or singing
• Talking fast or excitedly
• Increased energy levels
• Feeling light or weightless
• Feeling invincible or unstoppable

Thoughts Associated with Elation

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing elation might have:

• I can't believe this is really happening!
• Everything is falling into place!
• I feel like I'm on top of the world!
• This is the best day of my life!
• I knew all my hard work would pay off!
• I'm so grateful for this moment!
• I never thought I could feel this happy!
• I feel like I could accomplish anything!
• I'm bursting with joy and excitement!

Atmosphere of Elation

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of elation in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Use bright and warm colors to evoke a feeling of happiness and joy.
• Describe a lively and bustling environment, such as a crowded festival or a busy street.
• Incorporate music or sounds that are associated with celebrations or happiness.
• Use language that conveys a sense of excitement, such as "heart-pounding" or "breathless."
• Include details that highlight positive experiences, such as delicious food or beautiful scenery.
• Incorporate physical actions that reflect the emotion of elation, such as jumping for joy or hugging someone.

Verbs Associated with Elation

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of elation:

• Jump
• Leap
• Celebrate
• Rejoice
• Exult
• Thrill
• Delight
• Cheer
• Ecstatic
• Triumph
• Exhilarate
• Gladden
• Grin
• Smile
• Radiate
• Shine
• Shine with joy
• Beaming
• Beam with happiness
• Laugh
• Chuckle

Emotions Before Elation

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences elation:

• Anticipation
• Excitement
• Hopefulness
• Relief
• Satisfaction
• Gratitude
• Joyfulness

Emotions After Elation

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences elation:

• Disappointment
• Fear
• Anxiety
• Uncertainty
• Insecurity
• Guilt
• Loneliness
• Sadness
• Envy
• Jealousy

Telling Elation Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion elation in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• She felt elated when she found out that she had won the competition.
• He couldn't help but feel elated after receiving the news that he had been accepted into the prestigious university.
• The team was elated after winning the championship game.
• She was elated when he proposed to her on bended knee.

Practical Examples of Showing Elation

Here are some examples of showing elation in a sentence:

• Maria's heart raced as she read the email informing her that she had won the prestigious award. She jumped out of her seat and danced around the room, laughing and crying tears of joy.
• The rollercoaster reached its peak, and John threw his hands up in the air, screaming with excitement as the wind rushed past him. He felt alive and invincible.
• As the final notes of the song faded away, Sarah felt a surge of happiness wash over her. She smiled widely and hugged her bandmates, grateful for the amazing performance.
• The sun rose over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Rachel took a deep breath of the fresh morning air and felt a sense of contentment fill her soul.

Exercises for Showing Elation

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing elation:

• Write a scene where your character achieves a long-term goal that they have been working towards. Show how they react, physically and emotionally, to this achievement.
• Think of a moment in your own life where you felt truly elated. Write a scene where your character experiences a similar moment of joy and excitement.
• Write a scene where your character receives unexpected good news. Show how they react and how their elation affects those around them.
• Create a character who is generally reserved and stoic, but experiences a moment of pure elation. Write a scene that shows how this unexpected emotion affects them and those around them.
• Write a scene where your character is celebrating with friends or family. Show how their elation is contagious and affects those around them.
• Think of a time when you witnessed someone else experiencing elation. Write a scene where your character is witnessing a similar moment of joy and excitement in someone else.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full emotional thesaurus.