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praise

praise

161 1.0
Words or actions that show admiration for someone
  • noun
  • /preɪz/
translation icon : elogio
  • Our anti-bullying programme has won lots of praise from parents and teachers.
  • verbal praise
  • behavior-specific praise
  • specific praise

Why do people give praise or criticism?

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Examples

Synonyms

congratulation
vspraise
904 1.3

Words said or written to show you are happy for someone's success

is general approval not reserved only for success
applause
vspraise
647 1.0

Clapping hands to show you like or approve something

is any form of approval not limited to clapping
appreciation
vspraise
121 3.0

An action or words that show you are grateful for help and kindness

is approval or admiration rather than primarily gratitude
admiration
vspraise
106 1.8

A feeling of respect and approval for someone or something

is an outward expression rather than an internal feeling
commendation
vspraise
  • Formal
39 6.8

An official award or letter praising someone for good work

is a general expression without official award or formal recognition
good word
vspraise
26 2.5

Short praise said about someone to help them be chosen for something

is a broader expression of approval not only a recommendation
kudos
vspraise
21 5.3

Praise and respect people give for doing something well

is general approval not tied to a specific achievement
6 3.2

Comments that praise or encourage someone's work

is broader and not limited to performance comments
approbation
vspraise
  • Formal
4 8.5

Official approval or praise from a person in charge

is ordinary approval not necessarily coming from authority
plaudit
vspraise
  • Formal
4 8.2

An expression of strong praise for someone or something

is milder and more general in expressing approval or admiration
plaudits
vspraise
  • Formal
8.2

Praise people give someone in public for something good they did

is less public and less intense in approval
compliments
vspraise
1.3

Polite words that show respect or good wishes to someone

are broader and more general showing approval and admiration
extolment
vspraise
  • Literature
9.9

A lot of praise for someone or something

is plain everyday approval not expressed in formal language
congratulations
vspraise
1.1

Words you say to show you are happy about someone's good news

are general approval across situations not only celebratory

Antonyms

45 3.0

A feeling that shows you do not agree with someone or what they do

to censure
  • Formal
26 7.7

To express strong disapproval of someone, often in an official statement

Idioms

Give a weak compliment that sounds positive but actually criticizes someone

1 5.8

Say very good things about someone or something with strong feeling

Compounds

4 7.4

A weak comment that shows little real approval and may seem like a criticism

1 6.8

Talking about your good qualities to show off to others

How Complimentary

adulation
  • Formal
18 8.4
acclaim
30 4.2
praise
161 1.0
compliment
342 1.6

Surface Forms

praise singular
praises plural

Etymology

Praise comes from a word that meant 'value' or 'price', like the English word prize. So giving someone praise today is a way of showing you think they are valuable or worthy of honour.