Praise
/preɪz/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo express approval or admiration for someone or something.
/preɪz/
To express warm approval or admiration of.
The teacher praised the student for their excellent work.
💡 Simply: It's like giving someone a big thumbs-up or telling them they did a great job! Like, 'Wow, you painted a beautiful picture; I praise your talent!'
👶 For kids: To say nice things about someone or something because you like it.
More Examples
She praised the chef for the delicious meal.
The audience praised the actor's performance with loud applause.
How It's Used
"The critics praised the film's stunning visuals."
"The congregation praised God for his blessings."
Words or expressions of approval and admiration.
/preɪz/
The expression of approval or admiration.
The team basked in the praise of their fans after winning the championship.
💡 Simply: It's like when someone tells you, 'You're amazing!' or 'Great job!' That's praise! For example, getting a lot of praise for your new haircut.
👶 For kids: Saying nice things about something good.
More Examples
Her efforts were met with high praise from her colleagues.
He sought praise for his accomplishments, craving recognition.
How It's Used
"The artist received much praise for their work."
"The committee issued a formal praise for the volunteer's efforts."
Synonyms
Acclaim
Applaud
Celebrate
Commend
Extol
Admiration
Approval
Compliment
Idioms & expressions
sing someone's praises
To speak very highly of someone; to praise someone enthusiastically.
"The local newspaper sang the coach's praises after the team won the game."
worthy of praise
Deserving of being admired or applauded.
"Her selflessness was certainly worthy of praise."
From Old French *preis* 'praise', from Latin *pretium* 'price, value'. The sense developed from the idea of assigning value to someone or something worthy of acclaim.
Praise has been used since the 13th century, originally referring to the estimation of something's value, before shifting to its current meaning of expressing approval.
Memory tip
Picture a trophy and people clapping; they are praising the winner.