praise
B1Neutral to formal. Common in religious, literary, and formal evaluative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To express warm approval or admiration of someone or something.
To glorify or worship (a deity); to express gratitude or reverence; to commend formally or officially.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a positive evaluative verb. Can imply a power differential (e.g., superior praising subordinate). As a noun, it refers to the expression of approval itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., 'praiseworthy' is standard in both).
Connotations
Slightly more common in religious contexts in the US. In the UK, may be perceived as slightly more formal in everyday use.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Praise + object (He praised her work).Praise + object + for + noun/gerund (She praised him for his honesty).Praise + object + as + noun (They praised the plan as a breakthrough).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “damn with faint praise”
- “praise to the skies”
- “sing someone's/something's praises”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in performance reviews and client feedback (e.g., 'The manager praised the team's initiative.').
Academic
Used in critiques and peer reviews (e.g., 'The study was praised for its rigorous methodology.').
Everyday
Common for expressing approval (e.g., 'I praised my daughter for tidying her room.').
Technical
Not typically a technical term; used in its general sense within fields like education or psychology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The headteacher praised the pupils for their excellent behaviour.
- The critic praised the film as a masterpiece of modern cinema.
American English
- The supervisor praised the employee's innovative solution.
- The senator praised the bill as a vital step forward.
adverb
British English
- He spoke praisingly of his former mentor.
- She nodded praisefully during the presentation.
American English
- The article described the project praisingly.
- He smiled praisefully at his daughter's recital.
adjective
British English
- The praiseworthy efforts of the volunteers were recognised.
- He received a praise-filled review in the local paper.
American English
- Her praiseworthy dedication led to a promotion.
- The team gave a praise-worthy performance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher praised my drawing.
- We praise good work.
- His boss praised him for finishing the project early.
- The book received high praise from critics.
- While the report was praised for its clarity, some questioned its conclusions.
- She is always singing the praises of her new laptop.
- The committee's findings have been widely praised as a definitive account of the events.
- He was damned with faint praise, his work described as 'adequate' but lacking in originality.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PRAISE' as 'Positive Remarks Are Invaluable Support & Encouragement.'
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAISE IS A REWARD / PRAISE IS LIGHT (e.g., 'She basked in the praise,' 'a shining example').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'хвалить' for formal contexts where 'commend' or 'applaud' might be better.
- The noun 'praise' is uncountable; do not say 'a praise' or 'praises' in the singular sense (except in idioms like 'sing the praises of').
- Do not confuse with 'pray' (молиться).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He gave me a praise.' Correct: 'He gave me praise.' or 'He praised me.'
- Incorrect: 'I praise you to help me.' (Wrong pattern). Correct: 'I praise you for helping me.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical collocation with 'praise'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its core meaning. However, the idiom 'damn with faint praise' uses weak or qualified praise to express criticism.
Typically, it is uncountable (e.g., 'He received much praise'). The plural 'praises' is used in specific idioms (e.g., 'sing someone's praises') or in religious contexts ('praises to God').
'Praise' is often more formal, substantial, and related to achievement or quality. A 'compliment' can be more casual and personal (e.g., praising a report vs. complimenting someone's shirt).
No, the standard patterns are 'praise someone/something' or 'praise someone for something'. Avoid 'praise about'.