praise

The word “praise” means words expressing approval or admiration for someone or something. In plain terms, saying good things about someone or something because they deserve it.

“Praise” is pronounced prayz (/pɹeɪz/ in IPA).

Here is “praise” used in a sentence: “The chef received praise from every critic in the city.”

Words with a similar meaning to “praise” include accolade, approbation, approval, attaboy, compliment and commend.

The opposite of “praise” — its antonyms — are blame, condemnation and criticism.

Depending on how it is used, “praise” can be a noun and a verb.

The word “praise” comes from Latin. From Old French "preisier" ("to prize" or "to value"), from Latin "pretiare," from "pretium" ("price" or "value") — making "praise" a distant cousin of "price" and "prize.".

“Praise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Praise is sincere approval or admiration for someone or something. Flattery is excessive or insincere praise, often given to please someone or gain an advantage rather than to express genuine feeling.

A compliment is usually a brief, specific expression of admiration made directly to someone, such as remarking on their work. Praise is broader approval that can be given publicly or about a third party, and often carries more weight or authority.

You praise a person 'for' an action, as in 'she praised him for his honesty.' The phrase 'in praise of' introduces the thing being admired, as in 'a poem in praise of nature.'

'Praise' is uncountable, so it takes no plural and no 'a,' as in 'he received high praise.' Say 'a lot of praise' or 'words of praise' rather than 'a praise' or 'praises' in ordinary usage.