praise

1 of 2

verb

ˈprāz 

praised; praising

transitive verb

1

: to express a favorable judgment of : commend

2

: to glorify (a god or saint) especially by the attribution of perfections

intransitive verb

: to express praise

praiser noun

praise

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: an expression of approval : commendation

b

: worship

2

a

: value, merit

b

archaic : one that is praised

Synonyms

Verb

• bless
• carol
• celebrate
• emblazon
• exalt
• extol
• extoll
• glorify
• hymn
• laud
• magnify
• resound

Examples of praise in a Sentence

Verb

Critics praised her as both an actor and director.

A good teacher praises students when they do well.

We praise God for your safe arrival.

People gather in churches to praise the Lord.

Noun

He deserves praise for the way he's handled this crisis.

“Good job” is high praise coming from her. She rarely compliments anyone's work.

I have nothing but praise for the hospital staff.

People gathered in the church to sing praises to the Lord.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Because the 2023-24 campaign was supposed to be a big step forward for a player praised by his teammates for being one of the team’s hardest workers. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 3 May 2024

The militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, praised the decision as brave and supportive of Palestinian rights. —Ceyda Caglayan, USA TODAY, 3 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English preisen, from Anglo-French preiser, priser to appraise, esteem — more at prize

First Known Use

Verb

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing praise

• damn with faint praise
• in praise of
• praise be
• praise be to God
• praise (someone or something) to the skies
• self-praise

Kids Definition

praise

verb

ˈprāz

praised; praising

1

: to express approval of : commend

2

: to glorify (a god or a saint) especially in song

praise noun

Etymology

Verb

Middle English preisen "to praise," from early French preisier, priser "to praise, prize," from Latin pretiare "to prize," from earlier pretium (noun) "price, money" — related to price