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REFERENCE

victorious

adj.
US //vɪkˈtɔɹiəs// UK //vɪktˈɔːɹɪəs// vic·to·ri·ous
  1. 1 winning a contest (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having won a game, competition, or battle.

    having achieved victory in a competition, struggle, or war.

    Example

    The victorious team celebrated their championship win with a parade through the city.

    Example

    The victorious army marched through the capital, though the cost of their hard-won triumph was evident in the weary faces of the soldiers.

    Usage

    Often used before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'emerge'.

  2. 2 expressing triumph (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    showing that you are happy and proud because you have won.

    of or expressing a sense of triumph or success.

    Example

    He gave a victorious shout as he crossed the finish line in first place.

    Example

    She wore a victorious smile throughout the press conference, clearly enjoying the validation of her controversial theories.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense focuses on the outward display of emotion rather than the status of being the winner.

    • exultant
    • jubilant
Origin

Borrowed from Latin victōriōsus, from victōria (“victory”), from victor (“conqueror”). Displaced native Old English siġefæst.

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