triumph
TREYE-uhmf
Triumph (noun) means a great success or victory after overcoming difficulty. Example: “The school play was a triumph, and the audience cheered for ages.”
noun
1
A great success or victory after overcoming difficulty.
"The school play was a triumph, and the audience cheered for ages."
"Winning the championship was a personal triumph for the young athlete."
"The peace treaty was seen as a diplomatic triumph."
verb
1
To win or succeed, especially after a struggle; to celebrate that success.
"After months of training, she triumphed over her fear of swimming."
"The underdog team triumphed in the final minute."
"Good ultimately triumphs over evil in the story."
How to use triumph
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA major win or success, or the act of achieving one.
Common pairings
a triumph over adversity
triumph over
personal triumph
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Word forms
- Plural
- triumphs
- Third person singular
- triumphs
- Past tense
- triumphed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The school play was a _____, and the audience cheered for ages.
Etymology
From Latin triumphus, "triumphal procession," ultimately from Ancient Greek thriambos — a doublet of "trump."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “triumph” mean?
The word “triumph” means a great success or victory after overcoming difficulty. In plain terms, a major win or success, or the act of achieving one.
How do you pronounce “triumph”?
“Triumph” is pronounced TREYE-uhmf (/ˈtɹaɪ̯əmf/ in IPA).
How do you use “triumph” in a sentence?
Here is “triumph” used in a sentence: “Winning the championship was a personal triumph for the young athlete.”
What part of speech is “triumph”?
Depending on how it is used, “triumph” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “triumph” come from?
The word “triumph” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin triumphus, "triumphal procession," ultimately from Ancient Greek thriambos — a doublet of "trump.".
Is “triumph” a common word?
“Triumph” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “triumph” have?
“Triumph” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a great success or victory after overcoming difficulty.
What is the difference between a 'triumph' and a 'victory'?
A victory is any win or success over an opponent or challenge. A triumph is a great or notable victory, especially one achieved after real difficulty, and it carries a strong sense of celebration and elation. Every triumph is a victory, but a triumph is bigger and more emotionally charged.
What is the difference between 'triumph' and 'success'?
'Success' is a broad word for achieving a desired result, large or small. 'Triumph' is a more emphatic word for a great success won after struggle, often accompanied by joy and pride. You might call a quiet achievement a success, but reserve 'triumph' for a hard-won win.
What preposition is used with 'triumph'?
The verb 'triumph' is usually followed by 'over,' as in 'they triumphed over their rivals' or 'triumphed over adversity.' This pattern stresses overcoming an opponent or obstacle. As a noun, you often see 'a triumph of' something, as in 'a triumph of engineering.'
Is 'triumph' a formal word?
'Triumph' is somewhat formal and elevated, common in journalism, sport, and literary writing. It sounds grander than everyday words like 'win.' Use it when you want to convey a major, celebrated success rather than a routine one.
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