Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense praises, present participle praising, past tense, past participle praised
1. verb
If you praise someone or something, you express approval for their achievements or qualities.
The American president praised Turkey for its courage. [VERB noun + for]
Many others praised Sanford for taking a strong stand. [V n for n/-ing]
He praised the excellent work of the U.N. weapons inspectors. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: acclaim, approve of, honour, cheer More Synonyms of praise
2. uncountable noun
Praise is what you say or write about someone when you are praising them.
All the guests are full of praise for the staff and service they received. [+ for]
I have nothing but praise for the police.
That is high praise indeed.
Synonyms: approval, acclaim, applause, cheering More Synonyms of praise
3. verb
If you praise God, you express your respect, honour, and thanks to God.
She asked the church to praise God. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: give thanks to, bless, worship, adore More Synonyms of praise
4. uncountable noun
Praise is the expression of respect, honour, and thanks to God.
Hindus were singing hymns in praise of the god Rama. [+ of]
Synonyms: thanks, glory, worship, devotion More Synonyms of praise
5.
See damn with faint praise
6.
See to sing someone's praises
praise in British English
(preɪz)
noun
1.
the act of expressing commendation, admiration, etc
2.
the extolling of a deity or the rendering of homage and gratitude to a deity
3.
the condition of being commended, admired, etc
4. archaic
the reason for praise
5. sing someone's praises
verb(transitive)
6.
to express commendation, admiration, etc, for
7.
to proclaim or describe the glorious attributes of (a deity) with homage and thanksgiving
Derived forms
praiser (ˈpraiser)
noun
Word origin
C13: from Old French preisier, from Late Latin pretiāre to esteem highly, from Latin pretium prize; compare prize2, precious
praise in American English
(preɪz)
verb transitiveWord forms: praised or ˈpraising
1. Obsolete
to set a price on; appraise
2.
to commend the worth of; express approval or admiration of
3.
to laud the glory of (God, etc.), as in song; glorify; extol
noun
4.
a praising or being praised; commendation or glorification
5. Archaic
a reason or basis for praise
Idioms:
sing someone's praises
SYNONYMY NOTE: praise is the simple, basic word implying an expression of approval, esteem, or commendation[to praise someone's performance]; laud implies great, sometimes extravagant praise [the critics lauded the actor to the skies]; acclaim suggests an outward show of strong approval, as by loud applause, cheering, etc.[he was acclaimed the victor]; extol implies exalting or lofty praise [the scientist was extolled for his work]; eulogize suggests formal praise in speech or writing, as on a special occasion [the minister eulogized the exemplary life of the deceased]
Derived forms
praiser (ˈpraiser)
noun
Word origin
ME praisen < OFr preisier < LL pretiare < L pretium, worth, price
More idioms containing
praise
damn with faint praise
praise someone or something to the skies
Examples of 'praise' in a sentence
praise
You may be surprised to discover who is singing your praises.
The Sun (2017)
The performance won him praise for his singing ability and willingness to laugh at himself.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
One imagines that was praise indeed from Forster.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Indeed it won praise both from Remainers and Ukip.
The Sun (2017)
But it is not enough simply to praise and honour them.
The Sun (2013)
This false ego requires abnormal amounts of admiration and praise from others to survive.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The mum of two sent the parking company a copy of a police letter praising her courage.
The Sun (2010)
There was inevitably a backlash against such high praise.
Paula Byrne PERDITA: The Life of Mary Robinson (2004)
The gaffer deserves praise for the players he has brought in.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
He praised their courage and nourished their morale.
Patrick Bishop FIGHTER BOYS: Saving Britain 1940 (2003)
Are you still seeking their approval and their praise?
Vera Peiffer POSITIVE THINKING: Everything you have always known about positive thinking but wereafraid to put into practice (2001)
She and her family were full of praise for the police and hospital.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Perhaps when it truly deserves such a term it is the highest praise it could possibly have.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
He is a pleasure to watch and deserves any praise he gets.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It would be faint praise to paint him as a safe choice purely because he treats his career responsibly.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
His stylistic verve and a gift for irony have earned him considerable praise in Spain.
The Times Literary Supplement (2009)
This is all praise indeed, yet it is no surprise to hear it.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Praise Many at the service clutched single roses of red or white.
The Sun (2008)
Now, he cannot praise the president enough.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
High praise indeed - and all fully justified.
The Sun (2006)
The Olympic venues have won praise and admiration from around the world.
The Sun (2012)
That is debatable but let's praise their courage.
The Sun (2011)
The results include a striking portrait of a man in a hat that earned warm praise from Jackson.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
So I try to offer gratitude and praise for any job she does well.
Christianity Today (2000)
Quotations
Self-praise is no recommendation
In other languages
praise
British English: praise /preɪz/ VERB
If you praise someone or something, you express approval for their achievements or qualities.
The police officer praised the children for their courage.
American English: praise
Arabic: يُثْنِي عَلَى
Brazilian Portuguese: elogiar
Chinese: 赞扬
Croatian: hvaliti
Czech: chválit
Danish: rose
Dutch: prijzen
European Spanish: elogiar
Finnish: ylistää
French: faire l’éloge
German: loben
Greek: επαινώ
Italian: lodare
Japanese: ほめる
Korean: 칭찬하다
Norwegian: rose
Polish: pochwalić
European Portuguese: elogiar
Romanian: a lăuda
Russian: восхвалять
Latin American Spanish: elogiar
Swedish: berömma
Thai: ชมเชย
Turkish: övmek
Ukrainian: хвалити
Vietnamese: khen
British English: praise NOUN
Praise is what you say or write about someone when you are praising them.
All the ladies are full of praise for the staff and service they received.
American English: praise
Brazilian Portuguese: elogio
Chinese: 赞美
European Spanish: elogio
French: éloge
German: Lob
Italian: elogio
Japanese: 褒め言葉
Korean: 칭찬
European Portuguese: elogio
Latin American Spanish: elogio
Chinese translation of 'praise'
praise
(preɪz)
n(u)
赞(讚)扬(揚) (zànyáng)
(to God) 赞(讚)美 (zànměi)
vt
称(稱)赞(讚) (chēngzàn)
(Rel)[God]颂(頌)扬(揚) (sòngyáng)
to sing sb's praises称(稱)颂(頌)某人 (chēngsòng mǒurén)
to praise sb for sth/for doing sth因某事赞(讚)扬(揚)某人/赞(讚)扬(揚)某人做某事 (yīn mǒushì zànyáng mǒurén/zànyáng mǒurén zuò mǒushì)
1 (verb)
Definition
to express admiration or approval for
Many praised him for taking a strong stand.
Synonyms
acclaim
He was acclaimed as the country's greatest modern painter.
approve of
honour
Two pioneering surgeons were honoured with the Nobel Prize.
cheer
admire
He admired the way she had coped with life.
applaud
You should be applauded for your courage.
compliment
They complimented me on my performance.
congratulate
pay tribute to
laud
extol
She keeps extolling his managerial skills.
sing the praises of
pat someone on the back
industry bigwigs patting each other on the back
cry someone up
big up (slang)
eulogize
He eulogized Keegan's part in the operation.
take your hat off to
crack someone up (informal)
Opposites
criticize
,
blame
,
condemn
,
censure
,
disapprove of
,
knock (informal)
,
blast
,
pan (informal)
,
slam (slang)
,
put down
,
slate (informal)
,
have a go (at) (informal)
,
disparage
,
tear into (informal)
,
diss (slang)
,
flame (informal)
,
find fault with
,
nag at
,
lambast(e)
,
pick holes in
,
excoriate
,
pick to pieces
,
give (someone or something) a bad press
,
animadvert on or upon
2 (verb)
Definition
to express thanks and worship to (one's God)
She asked the congregation to praise God.
Synonyms
give thanks to
bless
Let us bless God for so uniting our hearts.
worship
people who still worship the pagan gods
adore
a desire to adore God
magnify (archaic)
glorify
We are committed to serving the Lord and glorifying his name.
exalt
This book exalts her as a genius.
pay homage to
1 (noun)
Definition
the expression of admiration or approval
I have nothing but praise for my employees.
Synonyms
approval
an obsessive drive to win public approval
acclaim
She won critical acclaim for her performance.
applause
They greeted her with thunderous applause.
cheering
tribute
The song is a tribute to Elvis Presley.
compliment
She accepted the compliment with good grace.
congratulations
ovation
I was pleasantly surprised by the ovation I received.
accolade
We're always pleased to receive accolades from our guests.
good word
kudos
a new hotel chain that has won kudos for the way it treats guests
eulogy
He added his praise to the glowing eulogies given by her colleagues.
commendation
Both teams deserve commendation for their performance.
approbation
The result has not met with universal approbation.
acclamation
The event went ahead to universal acclamation.
panegyric
It is traditional to deliver a panegyric to the departed.
encomium
plaudit
laudation
Opposites
criticism
,
blame
,
condemnation
,
censure
,
disapproval
,
disparagement
,
stick (slang)
,
knocking (informal)
,
panning (informal)
,
slamming (slang)
,
slating (informal)
,
flak (informal)
,
slagging (slang)
,
strictures
,
bad press
,
denigration
,
brickbats (informal)
,
character assassination
,
sideswipe
,
critical remarks
,
fault-finding
,
animadversion
2 (noun)
Hindus were singing hymns in praise of the god Rama.
Synonyms
thanks
glory
Glory be to God.
worship
The temple had been a centre of worship of the goddess Hathor.
devotion
He was kneeling by his bed in an attitude of devotion.
homage
two marvellous films that pay homage to our literary heritage
adoration
They gazed at each other with mutual adoration.
idiom
See sing something's or someone's praises
proverb
Self-praise is no recommendation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of acclamation
Definition
an enthusiastic reception or display of approval
The event went ahead to universal acclamation.
Synonyms
applause,
shouting,
praise,
cheer,
cheering,
cheers,
approval,
enthusiasm,
tribute,
acclaim,
ovation,
accolade,
adulation,
kudos,
commendation,
salutation,
approbation,
plaudit,
loud homage,
laudation
in the sense of accolade
Definition
an award, praise, or honour
We're always pleased to receive accolades from our guests.
Synonyms
praise,
approval,
acclaim,
applause,
compliment,
homage,
laud (literary),
eulogy,
congratulation,
commendation,
acclamation (formal),
recognition,
tribute,
ovation,
plaudit,
laudation
in the sense of admire
Definition
to respect and approve of (a person or thing)
He admired the way she had coped with life.
Synonyms
respect,
value,
prize,
honour,
praise,
appreciate,
esteem,
approve of,
revere,
venerate,
big up (slang),
take your hat off to,
have a good or high opinion of,
think highly of
Synonyms of 'praise'
praise
Explore 'praise' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adoration
They gazed at each other with mutual adoration.
Synonyms
love,
honour,
worship,
worshipping,
esteem,
admiration,
reverence,
estimation,
exaltation,
veneration,
glorification,
idolatry,
idolization
in the sense of adore
Definition
to worship a god with religious rites
a desire to adore God
Synonyms
worship,
revere,
glorify,
reverence,
exalt,
venerate
in the sense of applaud
Definition
to express approval of
You should be applauded for your courage.
Synonyms
praise,
celebrate,
approve,
acclaim,
compliment,
salute,
commend,
extol,
crack up (informal),
big up (slang),
eulogize,
magnify (archaic)
in the sense of applause
Definition
appreciation shown by clapping one's hands
They greeted her with thunderous applause.
Synonyms
ovation,
praise,
cheering,
cheers,
approval,
acclaim,
clapping,
accolade,
big hand,
commendation,
hand-clapping,
approbation,
acclamation,
eulogizing,
plaudit,
laudation
in the sense of approbation
Definition
approval
The result has not met with universal approbation.
Synonyms
approval,
support,
favour,
praise,
sanction,
recognition,
acceptance,
acclaim,
encouragement,
applause,
endorsement,
ratification,
assent,
congratulation,
commendation,
laudation
in the sense of bless
Definition
to worship or adore (God)
Let us bless God for so uniting our hearts.
Synonyms
praise,
thank,
worship,
glorify,
magnify,
exalt,
extol,
pay homage to,
give thanks to
in the sense of commendation
Both teams deserve commendation for their performance.
Synonyms
praise,
credit,
approval,
acclaim,
encouragement,
Brownie points,
approbation,
acclamation,
good opinion,
panegyric,
encomium
in the sense of compliment
Definition
to express admiration for
They complimented me on my performance.
Synonyms
praise,
flatter,
salute,
congratulate,
pay tribute to,
commend,
laud,
extol,
crack up (informal),
pat on the back,
sing the praises of,
wax lyrical about,
big up (slang),
felicitate,
speak highly of
in the sense of compliment
Definition
an expression of praise
She accepted the compliment with good grace.
Synonyms
praise,
honour,
tribute,
courtesy,
admiration,
bouquet,
flattery,
eulogy
in the sense of devotion
Definition
religious zeal
He was kneeling by his bed in an attitude of devotion.
Synonyms
worship,
reverence,
spirituality,
holiness,
piety,
sanctity,
adoration,
godliness,
religiousness,
devoutness
Additional synonyms
in the sense of eulogize
Definition
to praise (a person or thing) highly in speech or writing
He eulogized Keegan's part in the operation.
Synonyms
praise,
acclaim,
applaud,
compliment,
pay tribute to,
commend,
magnify (archaic),
glorify,
exalt,
laud (literary),
extol,
big up (slang),
rhapsodize,
panegyrize,
sing or sound the praises of
in the sense of eulogy
Definition
high praise
He added his praise to the glowing eulogies given by her colleagues.
Synonyms
praise,
tribute,
acclaim,
compliment,
applause,
accolade,
paean (literary),
commendation,
exaltation,
glorification,
acclamation,
panegyric,
encomium,
plaudit,
laudation
in the sense of exalt
Definition
to praise highly
This book exalts her as a genius.
Synonyms
praise,
acclaim,
applaud,
pay tribute to,
bless,
worship,
magnify (archaic),
glorify,
reverence,
laud (literary),
extol,
crack up (informal),
pay homage to,
idolize,
big up (slang),
apotheosize,
set on a pedestal
in the sense of extol
Definition
to praise lavishly
She keeps extolling his managerial skills.
Synonyms
praise,
acclaim,
applaud,
pay tribute to,
celebrate,
commend,
magnify (archaic),
glorify,
exalt,
laud (literary),
crack up (informal),
sing the praises of,
big up (slang),
eulogize,
cry up,
panegyrize
in the sense of glorify
Definition
to worship (God)
We are committed to serving the Lord and glorifying his name.
Synonyms
worship,
honour,
bless,
adore,
revere,
exalt,
pay homage to,
venerate,
sanctify,
immortalize
in the sense of glory
Definition
adoration or worship
Glory be to God.
Synonyms
worship,
praise,
blessing,
gratitude,
thanksgiving,
homage,
adoration,
veneration,
laudation
in the sense of homage
Definition
a public show of respect or honour towards someone or something
two marvellous films that pay homage to our literary heritage
Synonyms
respect,
honour,
worship,
esteem,
admiration,
awe,
devotion,
reverence,
duty,
deference,
adulation,
adoration
in the sense of honour
Definition
to give (someone) special praise, attention, or an award
Two pioneering surgeons were honoured with the Nobel Prize.
Synonyms
acclaim,
celebrate,
praise,
decorate,
compliment,
commemorate,
dignify,
commend,
glorify,
exalt,
laud (literary),
lionize
in the sense of kudos
Definition
personal fame or glory
a new hotel chain that has won kudos for the way it treats guests
Synonyms
prestige,
regard,
honour,
praise,
glory,
fame,
distinction,
esteem,
acclaim,
applause,
plaudits,
renown,
repute,
notability,
laudation
in the sense of ovation
Definition
an enthusiastic round of applause
I was pleasantly surprised by the ovation I received.
Synonyms
applause,
hand,
cheering,
cheers,
praise,
tribute,
acclaim,
clapping,
accolade,
plaudits,
big hand,
commendation,
hand-clapping,
acclamation,
laudation
Additional synonyms
in the sense of panegyric
Definition
a formal speech or piece of writing that praises a person or event
It is traditional to deliver a panegyric to the departed.
Synonyms
tribute,
praise,
homage,
accolade,
eulogy,
paean (literary),
commendation,
encomium
in the sense of pat someone on the back
Definition
to congratulate someone
industry bigwigs patting each other on the back
Synonyms
congratulate,
praise,
applaud,
compliment,
commend,
sing the praises of,
big up (slang)
in the sense of tribute
Definition
something given, done, or said as a mark of respect or admiration
The song is a tribute to Elvis Presley.
Synonyms
accolade,
testimonial,
eulogy,
recognition,
respect,
gift,
honour,
praise,
esteem,
applause,
compliment,
gratitude,
acknowledgment,
commendation,
panegyric,
encomium,
laudation
in the sense of worship
Definition
to show profound religious devotion to (one's god), for example by praying
people who still worship the pagan gods
Synonyms
revere,
praise,
respect,
honour,
adore,
glorify,
reverence,
exalt,
laud (literary),
pray to,
venerate,
deify,
adulate
in the sense of worship
Definition
intense love or devotion to a person
The temple had been a centre of worship of the goddess Hathor.