laud
C1Formal, literary, academic
Definition
Meaning
To praise highly, especially in a formal or public context.
To glorify or extol; to express approval or admiration for someone or something's achievements or qualities.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a more formal, solemn, or elevated style of praise than everyday words like 'praise' or 'compliment'. It can carry a slight archaic or ceremonial tone.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Slightly more likely to be encountered in formal British historical or literary contexts.
Connotations
Connotes formality and sometimes a touch of old-fashioned grandeur in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech for both. Comparable, perhaps marginally higher in British academic/theological writing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
laud + object (e.g., They lauded his courage.)laud + object + as + complement (e.g., He was lauded as a hero.)Passive: be lauded + for + noun phrase (e.g., She was lauded for her dedication.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sing someone's/something's praises (a more common, idiomatic equivalent)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in formal award ceremonies or very high-level corporate communications ("The CEO lauded the team's innovative breakthrough.").
Academic
Found in literary criticism, historical analysis, and theology ("The historian lauds the treaty as a masterstroke of diplomacy.").
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound unusually formal.
Technical
Not applicable in most technical fields. Possible in music theory (Lauds - a canonical hour) but that is a different, homographic noun.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The prime minister lauded the bravery of the emergency services.
- His latest novel has been widely lauded by the critics.
American English
- The president lauded the volunteers for their tireless efforts.
- The journal lauded the study as a landmark in the field.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The manager lauded the team's hard work during the project.
- Many scientists lauded the discovery as a major step forward.
- The retiring judge was lauded for her unwavering integrity and profound wisdom.
- Contemporary historians laud the treaty not for its immediate effects, but for its long-term vision.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a loud round of APPLAUSE being given for someone you ADmire. LAUD sounds like 'loud' praise.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS ELEVATION / LIFTING UP (to laud someone is to raise them up in esteem).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with "loud" (громкий).
- Do not overtranslate as "хвалить" in casual contexts; it's closer to "восхвалять", "превозносить".
- The noun "laud" is virtually obsolete; the verb is primary.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *"I lauded her for her new haircut." (Too formal for context)
- Incorrect: *"The fans lauded the goal." (Use 'cheered' or 'celebrated')
- Misspelling: *"lord" (a completely different word).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'laud' used MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, literary word (C1 level). In everyday conversation, 'praise', 'commend', or 'applaud' are much more common.
Very rarely in modern English. Historically, it meant 'praise' or a hymn of praise (related to 'Lauds' in Christian liturgy). The verb form is now standard.
'Laud' is more formal, elevated, and often public. 'Praise' is neutral and can be used in any context, from casual to formal.
No, 'dislaud' is not a standard English word. The opposite is expressed with antonyms like 'criticise', 'condemn', or 'disparage'.