These words all mean to place in a higher position. Raise commonly implies a physical gesture or activity, although it is often applied in figurative senses to any improved condition or motive: to raise one’s hand; to raise one’s spirits with encouragement and kind words. Elevate , when applied to a literal rise in position or altitude, sounds very formal, even pretentious, raise being preferred in most such contexts. When applied figuratively to a rise in rank or distinction, elevate is commonly and easily used on a variety of levels: to elevate one’s goals; He was elevated from the rank of lieutenant to captain. In this last sense of raising in rank or position, promote is most often used: promoted from lecturer to senior lecturer. In its extended uses, promoted has still a sense of raising in prestige or importance, although basically it suggests a carrying out of some function: promoting his friend’s case.

Lift suggests the use of physical effort in moving something to a higher position, and hoist often signifies lifting by mechanical means. When hoist is used in place of lift , it signifies a greater expenditure of effort, as that comparable to what would be required in lifting something by mechanical means: to lift a book off the table; to hoist the tractor aboard the ship; The fireman hoisted the heavy man to his shoulder before gingerly descending the ladder. Uplift may be used to mean to raise aloft, but is more commonly used today to mean to elevate morally or mentally: uplifted by our audience with the Pope.