The Word “Praise”
Praise – Definition and Part of Speech
Definition:
The word praise refers to expressions of approval or admiration for someone or something due to their qualities, actions, or achievements.
Part of Speech:
- Verb: To express approval or admiration (e.g., She praised the team for its hard work).
- Noun: The act or expression of commendation or approval (e.g., He received praise for his performance).
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commend | Focus on formally recognizing achievement | “The manager commended her exceptional skills.” | Formal/Professional |
| Laud | Often used in literary or formal contexts | “Critics lauded the new novel for its originality.” | Literary/Formal |
| Applaud | Express approval, often with clapping | “The audience applauded enthusiastically at the end of the performance.” | Informal/Formal |
| Extol | Stronger emphasis on enthusiastic praise | “She extols her mentor’s wisdom and guidance.” | Formal/Academic |
| Acclaim | Recognition of excellence, sometimes in public | “His latest album received international acclaim.” | Business/Informal |
Usage Notes
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Commend: Best suited for professional or formal settings where specific achievements are being formally recognized. For instance, in a workplace environment, you might commend an employee during an official review.
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Laud: Often reserved for literary contexts or when writing or speaking formally about someone’s virtues or accomplishments. It is less common in everyday speech but valuable in academic papers and formal writings.
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Applaud: While it literally means to clap hands, it’s commonly used figuratively in both casual and formal contexts to express approval or praise without physical applause. For example, saying “The director applauded the cast’s dedication.”
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Extol: Use this synonym when you want to emphasize strong enthusiasm and admiration, often in a heartfelt manner. It is useful in creative writing where emotional intensity adds depth.
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Acclaim: This term conveys not just approval but widespread recognition of excellence or success. Often seen in business reports, reviews, and media when discussing popular or critically acclaimed work.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall with synonyms for praise is using them interchangeably without regard to context, which can lead to awkward or unclear communication. For example:
- Using laud in a casual conversation might sound overly formal or out of place.
- Substituting applaud where you intend physical clapping (e.g., “Let’s applaud”) may be misunderstood if taken literally.
Another potential confusion is between extol and praise. While both express admiration, extol often conveys a higher degree of enthusiasm or fervor.
Final Recap
In summary, while all these synonyms for praise share the core meaning of expressing approval or admiration, each carries its unique nuance and is suited to different contexts:
- Commend for formal recognition.
- Laud for literary or formal expressions.
- Applaud for general approval with an informal touch.
- Extol for enthusiastic and emphatic praise.
- Acclaim for public or widespread acknowledgment of excellence.
To expand your vocabulary effectively, try using these synonyms in writing exercises or conversations. Experiment by substituting them into sentences where praise is used and notice how the tone or formality changes with each synonym.