Laudable and Laudatory: Definition and Part of Speech
The phrases laudable and laudatory are adjectives derived from the Latin verb “laudare,” meaning “to praise.” Both terms relate to praise and commendation, though they differ in application:
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Laudable: Describes something worthy of praise or commendation due to its virtue, excellence, or moral goodness. It implies that an action or quality is praiseworthy because it aligns with high standards or ethics.
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Laudatory: Pertains specifically to expressions of praise, often in a formal or exaggerated manner. It characterizes speech, writing, or actions intended to express commendation.
Both words share the same grammatical form (adjective) but are used in different contexts to describe either an admirable quality or an act of praising someone/something else.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table highlighting main synonyms for “laudable” and “laudatory,” including brief definitions, example sentences, and notes on style or register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admirable | Describes something deserving of respect or approval. | “Her commitment to volunteer work is truly admirable.” | Formal/Informal, General |
| Commendable | Worthy of praise or recognition for positive actions. | “His efforts in the community project are commendable.” | Business/Academic |
| Praiseworthy | Deserving approval or admiration due to quality or action. | “The team’s dedication to environmental sustainability is praiseworthy.” | Formal/Casual |
| Encomiastic | Marked by or expressing high praise; laudatory in tone. | “Her encomiastic speech elevated the achievements of her colleagues.” | Academic/Literary |
| Exemplary | Serving as a desirable example to others. | “The student’s exemplary behavior set a standard for his peers.” | Formal, Educational |
Usage Notes
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Admirable is versatile and can be used across various contexts such as business, casual conversation, or academic writing when you want to commend someone respectfully without an overly formal tone.
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Commendable often finds its place in more formal settings like business reports or academic papers where actions are being formally recognized.
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Praiseworthy is suitable for both written and spoken contexts where the intent is to acknowledge efforts or qualities that deserve approval. It’s a bit less formal than “commendable.”
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Encomiastic is primarily used in literary or scholarly writing to describe speeches, essays, or writings that are overly positive or full of praise.
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Exemplary fits well when discussing actions or behaviors that should be followed as models by others. It’s commonly used in educational and professional evaluations.
Common Pitfalls
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Laudable vs. Laudatory: A frequent mistake is using “laudatory” to describe something worthy of praise, instead of recognizing it refers to the act of praising. Remember, “laudable” pertains to qualities or actions deserving praise, while “laudatory” describes expressions that convey such praise.
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Overuse in Formal Contexts: Words like “exemplary” and “encomiastic” can seem out of place if used too frequently in less formal settings where simpler terms might suffice.
Final Recap
In summary, when seeking synonyms for laudable (worthy of praise) or laudatory (expressing praise), consider the context. Use “admirable,” “commendable,” and “praiseworthy” across various contexts to commend someone’s actions or qualities. For formal writing emphasizing praise itself, opt for “encomiastic.” Lastly, highlight an ideal model with “exemplary.”
Encourage learners to practice these words in different contexts by crafting sentences or engaging in conversations where such positive evaluations are warranted. This will help deepen understanding and broaden vocabulary usage effectively.