Is 'laud' a common word?

No, 'laud' is a formal, literary word (C1/C2 level). In everyday conversation, 'praise', 'commend', or 'applaud' are far more common.

What is the difference between 'laud' and 'praise'?

'Laud' is much more formal and often implies public, official, or high-level admiration. 'Praise' is general and can be used in any context, from casual to formal.

Can 'laud' be used negatively or sarcastically?

Yes, like many positive words, it can be used sarcastically to imply the praise is exaggerated or undeserved (e.g., 'He was lauded for doing the bare minimum').

What is the connection to 'applause'?

Both come from Latin. 'Laud' is from 'laudare' (to praise). 'Applause' is from 'plaudere' (to clap). They are conceptually linked but not etymologically the same word.

lauda

C1/C2

UK/lɔːd/US/lɔːd/ (GA) /lɑːd/ (in some regions)

Formal, literary, academic, religious.

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

To praise someone or something highly, especially in a public context.

To extol; to express formal, official, or public admiration or commendation.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

Stronger and more formal than 'praise'; often implies public or official commendation. Can be used sarcastically. The noun form 'lauds' also refers to a Christian prayer service, part of the Liturgy of the Hours.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Both use it primarily in formal/literary contexts.

Connotations

In both, connotations are of high formality. In UK, perhaps a slightly stronger ecclesiastical association due to the Anglican tradition of 'Lauds' (prayer).

Frequency

Equally rare in everyday speech in both dialects. Slightly more likely to be encountered in academic or religious writing.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

highly laudpublicly lauddeservedly laud

medium

laud the effortslaud the achievementslaud the work

weak

laud a successlaud a performancelaud a decision

Grammar

Valency Patterns

laud [sb/sth] (for/as sth)be lauded (by sb)laud [sb/sth] as a hero/genius

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

extolacclaimeulogise

Neutral

praisecommendapplaud

Weak

complimentapprove ofspeak highly of

Vocabulary

Antonyms

criticisecondemndenouncecensuredisparage

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“sing the lauds of (rare, formal)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Used in formal reports or award ceremonies; 'The CEO lauded the team for exceeding targets.'

Academic

Common in literary criticism or history; 'The treatise lauds the virtues of stoicism.'

Everyday

Very rare. Would sound overly formal or ironic.

Technical

In music history, referring to 'laude' (Italian devotional songs). In liturgy, 'Lauds' as a service.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

The prime minister lauded the courage of the emergency services.
Critics have lauded the director's latest film as a masterpiece.
The report lauds the company's commitment to sustainability.

American English

The governor lauded the community for its resilience after the storm.
His work was lauded in several prestigious scientific journals.
They lauded her as a pioneer in the field of robotics.

adverb

British English

Laudably (not 'laud') - The charity has worked laudably to support refugees.
Laudatorily (rare) - He spoke laudatorily of his predecessor's legacy.

American English

Laudably (not 'laud') - The team laudably completed the project ahead of schedule.
Laudatorily (rare) - The article was written laudatorily, with little critical analysis.

adjective

British English

Laudable (not 'laud') - His efforts to promote reconciliation were laudable.
Laudatory (not 'laud') - The review was filled with laudatory comments.

American English

Laudable (not 'laud') - She made a laudable attempt to simplify the process.
Laudatory (not 'laud') - The biography is largely laudatory, ignoring his flaws.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The teacher lauded the student's excellent essay.
The coach lauded the team after their big win.

The committee's final report lauded the initiative for its innovation and impact.
His biography lauds him as one of the greatest thinkers of the century.

While many contemporary reviewers lauded the novel's bold structure, later critics found it contrived.
The treaty has been widely lauded by diplomats as a landmark achievement in international cooperation.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a LOUD applause for a job well done - to LAUD is to give loud, public praise.

Conceptual Metaphor

PRAISE IS A PUBLIC MONUMENT (to laud is to erect a verbal monument).

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with 'laudanum' (tincture of opium). The Russian 'лавры' (laurels) is related conceptually (honour) but not linguistically. Avoid using where 'хвалить' (praise) is sufficient; 'laud' is for more solemn occasions.

Common Mistakes

Mispronouncing as /laʊd/ (like 'loud').
Using it in casual contexts where 'praise' is better.
Confusing verb 'laud' with noun 'lauds' (prayer service).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The president used his speech to the sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Multiple Choice

In which context would the verb 'laud' be LEAST appropriate?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, 'laud' is a formal, literary word (C1/C2 level). In everyday conversation, 'praise', 'commend', or 'applaud' are far more common.
: 'Laud' is much more formal and often implies public, official, or high-level admiration. 'Praise' is general and can be used in any context, from casual to formal.
: Yes, like many positive words, it can be used sarcastically to imply the praise is exaggerated or undeserved (e.g., 'He was lauded for doing the bare minimum').
: Both come from Latin. 'Laud' is from 'laudare' (to praise). 'Applause' is from 'plaudere' (to clap). They are conceptually linked but not etymologically the same word.