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"Exaltar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to extol", and "realzar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to highlight". Learn more about the difference between "exaltar" and "realzar" below.
exaltar(
ehk
-
sahl
-
tahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to praise)
a. to extol
La historia ha exaltado a varios artistas que en su época pasaron inadvertidos.History has extolled several artists who went unnoticed in their days.
b. to exalt
Sus poemas recuerdan a las víctimas pero también exaltan a los héroes de aquellos años oscuros.His poems recall the victims but also exalt the heroes of those dark ages.
2. (to work up)
a. to excite
El informe indicaba que las acciones de la policía habían alentado y exaltado a la muchedumbre.The report said that police action had encouraged and excited the mob.
exaltarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to get overexcited
Sara acostumbra a exaltarse cada vez que viaja al extranjero.Sara usually gets overexcited every time she travels abroad.
a. to get worked up
Cuando escuché los comentarios machistas del profesor me exalté rápidamente.When I heard the teacher's sexist comments I quickly got worked up.
b. to run high
Los sentimientos de los enamorados se exaltan cada vez que se ven.The lovers' feelings run high every time they meet.
realzar(
rreh
-
ahl
-
sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to highlight
El dentista realzó la importancia de cepillarse los dientes después de cada comida.The dentist highlighted the importance of brushing your teeth after every meal.
El financista realzó el papel que juega la educación en el crecimiento de la economía.The financier highlighted the role education plays in growing the economy.
b. to enhance
A pesar de su pasado oscuro, tenemos que realzar el mensaje de paz y amor que transmitía el cantante.Despite his dark past, we must enhance the singer's message of peace and love.
2. (to elevate)
3. (to imprint)
a. to emboss
El carpintero realzó la decoración del marco de madera.The carpenter embossed the decoration on the wooden frame.
