triumph
C1Formal and literary, but also used in everyday contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A great victory, success, or achievement; the emotion of joy resulting from such a success.
To achieve a notable victory or success; to prevail over a difficulty or opponent. Can also refer to a state of exultation or a public celebration of success.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Historically refers to a lavish public procession celebrating a Roman military victory. It carries strong connotations of overcoming significant opposition or adversity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. The noun and verb forms are used identically.
Connotations
In British English, can have a slightly more formal or historic literary flavour.
Frequency
Slightly more common in British English in formal and political contexts, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to triumph over [opponent/problem]to triumph in [contest/field][something] triumphsVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in triumph”
- “triumph of hope over experience”
- “triumph of the will”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describing a successful product launch or a major deal.
Academic
Describing a scientific breakthrough or the prevailing of a theory.
Everyday
Describing personal achievements, like passing a difficult exam.
Technical
Rare; in computing, could be a proprietary name for a compression algorithm or a code library.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The home team triumphed in a thrilling cup final.
- Justice will ultimately triumph over tyranny.
American English
- Their research triumphed over significant technical hurdles.
- The bill finally triumphed in the Senate vote.
adverb
British English
- She smiled triumphantly as she revealed the answer.
- The team marched triumphantly onto the pitch.
American English
- He waved the signed contract triumphantly.
- The verdict was announced triumphantly by her lawyer.
adjective
British English
- The triumphant general was granted a parade. (From 'triumphant')
- A triumphal arch marked the city entrance. (From 'triumphal')
American English
- The team gave a triumphant shout after scoring the winning point.
- The president's triumphal tour was covered widely.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- It was a great triumph for our small school.
- The film's happy ending was a triumph.
- Her recovery from the illness was a personal triumph.
- The new policy was seen as a triumph for the government.
- The architect's triumph was in creating a light-filled space within such constraints.
- Good sense finally triumphed, and they abandoned the risky plan.
- The negotiation was less a compromise than a total triumph for the incumbent administration.
- His latest novel represents the triumph of style over substance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Roman general shouting "Try!" as he enters the city, and his response to his troops is "Hmph!" because the battle was so easy – it was a TRI-UMPH.
Conceptual Metaphor
VICTORY IS A JOURNEY/ARRIVAL; VICTORY IS A HIGH POSITION (to triumph over adversity).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "trump" (козырь).
- "Triumphant" is closer to Russian "торжествующий" than "триумфальный".
- Noun "триумф" is a direct cognate, but verb usage is broader in English.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect pronunciation: */traɪˈʊmf/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using 'triumph' for a minor success can sound overly dramatic.
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'to triumph against' is less common than 'to triumph over'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'triumph' INCORRECTLY as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is significantly more common as a noun, though the verb form is well-established and widely understood.
'Victory' is more general, often used for competitions or battles. 'Triumph' implies a more significant, complete, or emotional victory, often over substantial odds, and carries a stronger sense of celebration.
It can be used humorously or ironically for small wins ("Finding my keys was a minor triumph"), but used seriously for trivial matters, it may sound overly dramatic or pompous.
The primary adjective is 'triumphant'. The related adjective 'triumphal' is used for things associated with a celebration of victory, like a 'triumphal arch' or 'triumphal procession'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Nuanced Emotions
C2 · 48 words · Precise vocabulary for complex emotional states.