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Triumph: Definition and Synonyms

Triumph – Definition and Part of Speech

Triumph can function as both a noun and a verb.

  • Noun: A victory or great success. Example: “The athlete’s triumph was celebrated by thousands.”
  • Verb: To achieve victory or succeed. Example: “She triumphed over adversity through sheer determination.”

Both forms encapsulate the essence of achieving success, particularly in challenging situations.

Core Synonyms

Here is a table outlining some core synonyms for “triumph,” including their nuances and example sentences:

Synonym Brief Definition/Nuance Example Sentence Style/Register
Victory A success achieved by defeating an opponent or overcoming difficulties; often used in competitive contexts. “The team’s victory was marked by a jubilant parade.” Formal/Business
Success The accomplishment of an aim or purpose, often implying sustained effort leading to favorable outcomes. “Her new book marks a significant success in her writing career.” Academic/Casual
Conquest A successful military campaign resulting in the capture of territory; implies overcoming resistance. “His conquest over fear opened new opportunities for personal growth.” (figurative) Literary/Formal
Win To be victorious, commonly used in games or competitions. “The team managed to win the championship after a tough season.” Informal/Colloquial
Achievement A task completed successfully with effort and skill; often associated with long-term goals. “Her achievement of completing a marathon was celebrated by her community.” Academic/Professional

Usage Notes

  • Victory is suitable in contexts where there’s a competitive element, like sports or business takeovers.
  • Success can be used more broadly to refer to accomplishments in various areas such as personal goals or professional milestones. It’s versatile and fits well into formal and casual settings alike.
  • Conquest, while often related to literal territorial gains, is also metaphorically powerful when describing overcoming significant challenges.
  • Win is informal, frequently found in everyday conversation, sports commentary, or casual writing about competitions.
  • Achievement implies a personal accomplishment, often highlighting the effort involved. It’s well-suited for contexts where recognizing sustained effort and dedication is important.

Common Pitfalls

A common confusion arises between “triumph” and “achievement.” While both imply success, “triumph” conveys a more dramatic or significant victory, often overcoming substantial obstacles, whereas “achievement” tends to focus on the completion of tasks irrespective of difficulty.

Another potential mix-up is with “victory” and “win.” Though similar, “victory” might carry a grander sense than “win,” which is typically used for sports contexts or straightforward competitions.

Final Recap

The synonyms for “triumph”—victory, success, conquest, win, and achievement—each offer nuanced meanings that can enhance your writing and speaking. Choosing the right synonym depends on the context and intensity of the success being described:

  • Use victory in competitive or strategic scenarios.
  • Opt for success when referring to achievements broadly.
  • Select conquest for powerful, sometimes metaphorical, overcoming of challenges.
  • Choose win for informal or sports-related victories.
  • Highlight sustained effort with achievement.

Practicing these synonyms through writing exercises or conversation will help you internalize their subtle differences and improve your expressive capabilities.