To helm something, such as a creative project or a place of business, is to steer or direct it. The suggestion is of one helming or steering a ship, an activity so named for the wheel or steering apparatus of a seagoing vessel—the helm. You may hear of someone helming a department or agency, a newsroom, or a kitchen in popular restaurant. But most often, helm is used in the entertainment industry in discussion of the director, who steers the production on a (hopefully not choppy) course.

The adjective adverse implies antagonism and opposition. It emphasizes the idea of misfortune and is often used to describe circumstances or events that are harmful to health and well-being. For instance, you might hear of adverse effects of pollution or adverse consequences of a decision. This decidedly unfriendly adjective is related to the noun adversity, “an unfortunate event or circumstance” or “unfavorable fortune or fate.”

Elated is the perfect adjective to use when you’re in particularly high spirits, especially when that exalted feeling arises from a victory or achievement. This lofty adjective comes from the verb elate, which means “to make very happy or proud,” but in earlier uses meant “to lift; elevate.” So the next time you’re walking on air or beaming with pride (or both!), remember that elated is up there, too, waiting in the wings for you to use it!