exultant
adjective C2
Plain meaning
extremely happy because of success or victory
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe extremely happy because of success or victory, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalHis response sounded exultant, so the conversation became difficult.
examThe passage presents a exultant assessment of the policy’s wider consequences.
Common collocations
a exultant responseexultant behavioura exultant situation
Watch out
Do not use “very exultant” automatically; some advanced adjectives already carry a strong meaning or need a more natural intensifier.
Word family
exultantness (noun, where natural)exultantly (adverb, where natural)