Elated vs. Excited

Attribute	Elated	Excited
Definition	Extremely happy and joyful	Feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness
Intensity	Intense feeling of happiness	Intense feeling of anticipation
Emotion	Positive emotion	Positive emotion
Physical Manifestation	Smiling, laughing, tears of joy	Increased heart rate, adrenaline rush
Duration	Can be long-lasting	Usually short-lived

Definition

Elated and excited are both emotions that are associated with feelings of happiness and joy. However, there are subtle differences between the two. Elated typically refers to a state of extreme happiness or joy, often accompanied by a sense of pride or accomplishment. On the other hand, excited generally refers to a feeling of anticipation or eagerness about something that is about to happen.

Intensity

One key difference between being elated and excited is the intensity of the emotion. Elated is often considered to be a more intense feeling of happiness compared to being excited. When someone is elated, they may feel a sense of euphoria or overwhelming joy that is hard to contain. In contrast, being excited may be a more moderate level of happiness, characterized by a sense of anticipation or enthusiasm.

Causes

The causes of feeling elated and excited can also differ. Elated feelings are often triggered by significant events or achievements, such as winning a competition, receiving good news, or accomplishing a long-term goal. In these cases, the elation is a result of a specific event or accomplishment that brings immense joy. On the other hand, excitement can be sparked by a variety of things, such as upcoming events, new experiences, or even just the thrill of the unknown.

Physical Manifestations

When someone is elated, they may exhibit physical manifestations of their happiness, such as smiling uncontrollably, jumping for joy, or even crying tears of joy. The intensity of the emotion may be so overwhelming that it is visible in their body language and facial expressions. In contrast, excitement may be more subtle in terms of physical manifestations, such as increased heart rate, fidgeting, or a sense of restlessness.

Duration

Elated feelings are often short-lived and may be experienced in intense bursts of joy that quickly fade away. This is because elation is typically tied to a specific event or achievement, and once that moment passes, the feeling of elation may diminish. Excitement, on the other hand, can be a more sustained emotion that lasts over a longer period of time. People can feel excited about something for days, weeks, or even months leading up to the event or experience that is causing the excitement.

Impact on Behavior

When someone is elated, their behavior may be more exuberant and expressive, as they may feel compelled to share their joy with others or celebrate in some way. This can lead to actions such as hugging, high-fiving, or shouting with excitement. In contrast, being excited may lead to more anticipatory behaviors, such as planning and preparing for the upcoming event or experience that is causing the excitement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while elated and excited are both positive emotions associated with happiness and joy, there are distinct differences between the two. Elated is often a more intense feeling of happiness that is triggered by specific events or achievements, while excitement is a more moderate level of happiness that is characterized by anticipation and eagerness. Understanding these differences can help us better appreciate and differentiate between the various emotions we experience in our daily lives.