praise
n. uncountablen. words that show you admire someone or think they did a great job. You use it to express approval or respect for a person's work or character.
n. an expression of approval, admiration, or commendation. Often used to describe positive feedback given by an authority figure or the public.
The teacher gave her a lot of praise for her hard work.
The young musician received high praise from critics after his debut performance at the national theater.
While the architect appreciated the public praise for the building's aesthetic, she remained more concerned with its functional longevity and environmental impact.
From Middle English praise, preyse, from the verb (see below). Doublet of prize. Displaced native Middle English lof from Old English lof (“praise”) and Middle English loenge, loange from Old French löenge, löange (“praise”).
From Middle English praisen, preisen, from Old French proisier, preisier (“to value, prize”), from Late Latin pretiō (“to value, prize”) from pretium (“price, worth, reward”). Displaced native Middle English herien from Old English herian (“to praise”).
Typically uncountable when referring to the act of giving approval; often paired with the verbs 'give', 'receive', or 'win'.
She received many praises for her bookShe received much praise for her bookIn its general sense of 'approval', the noun is uncountable and does not take a plural form.
- 01
damn with faint praise
To provide praise that is minimal or inconsequential, implying that such praise is the best that could be said.
- 02
praise to the skies
To praise or laud (someone or something) excessively.
- 03
praise with faint damns
To provide minimal critique, implying that the criticism is the worst that could be said of someone or something.