I am so confused

[ioujj]

Greeting,
Anyone could please explain the difference between elevate and escalate as verbs, specially when you are talking about a situation not something physical.

 

[probus]

It is a matter of connotation. Escalate has negative connotations, and elevate positive or neutral connotations. For example, something might escalate a conflict between two groups, whereas something else might elevate their cooperative relationship.

 

[Cherryaa]

That's a very useful take on it

It might also be helpful to consider what the two words mean in a general context, as well. To elevate means to "lift up", while escalating means "going up by steps". Wars and currency inflation, for instance, escalate. But when we have elevated something, we look up to it ('look up to' commonly means to admire.)

Leaving negative connotations aside, you could think about career progression. It's normal for one's career to improve by steps - this is an escalation through the grades/ranks. If you were suddenly promoted from a lowly position to upper management, this would be an elevation: instead of 'stepping', you have been 'lifted'.

 

[ioujj]

Thank you guys so much .. I really appreciate your responses. they are very helpful.

 

[emsr2d2]

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