What does elevation refer to in terms of semantic shift?

Elevation in terms of semantic shift refers to the process where words acquire more positive meanings or favorable associations over time. This change in meaning can reflect shifts in cultural attitudes or contexts in which the word is used. For example, the word "knight" historically referred to a servant or attendant but evolved to signify a noble warrior or figure of honor.

This positive shift not only enhances the reputation of the word but also reflects changing societal values. Such transformations can enrich the language and reinforce positive attributes, making the word more appealing in contemporary usage. In contrast, the other options involve different aspects of semantic change, such as pejoration, which is concerned with words taking on negative connotations, or deletion and phonetic similarities, which do not pertain to the elevation of meaning.