opphøyelse

Opphøyelse is a Norwegian noun that denotes the act of raising something or someone to a higher position, status, or level, as well as the act of extolling or praising. The word stems from opp- meaning up and høy meaning high, with the suffix -else forming a noun of action.

In secular use, opphøyelse describes promotion or elevation within social, professional, or organizational hierarchies. It can refer to a change of rank, such as a person being elevated to a higher office or given a new title; it can also denote physical elevation, such as raising a platform, statue, or monument. In everyday language it may also express praise or favorable recognition of a person or their achievements, as in extolling someone as a role model.

In religious contexts, opphøyelse is used for exaltation or glorification. In Christian theology it denotes the act by which Christ is brought into divine glory, often in connection with resurrection and ascension, and may also refer to the general glorification of God or holy figures. The term appears in liturgical texts, theological discussions, and discussions about the destiny of believers.

Related terms include opphøye, the verb meaning to exalt or elevate; and opphøyelse as the noun form of that action. The word is used across Norwegian-speaking contexts in both formal and informal language to express upward movement, whether physical, social, or spiritual.