Praise
/preɪz/
nounverbB1
Definition
Praise is when you express your approval, admiration, or thanks for a person, their actions, or something they did. You can praise by speaking kindly, writing positive words, or showing respect. It helps people feel valued and encouraged.
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See It in Action
Words or actions that show approval or admiration
- •She received praise from her boss for finishing the project early.
- •The singer earned praise from fans after the great performance.
- •Parents often give praise to children when they try their best.
The act of expressing thanks or respect, often in a religious or formal setting
- •The congregation gave praise to the leader during the ceremony.
- •People sang songs of praise in the church.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "praise" like "good job," but more formal and often more serious or important.
- ✓Picture a teacher smiling and saying "Well done!" to a student who did a good test.
- ✓It's the warm feeling you get when someone says you did something well or tries hard.
- ✓Sounds like "prays" → imagine someone praying happily because they are thankful and say nice things.
- ✓In stories, heroes often receive praise from others for brave acts or kindness.
- ✓NOT like "complain" (say bad things)—praise is only about positive things.
- ✓NOT like "criticize" (find faults)—praise focuses on what is good, not bad.
- ✓NOT like "reward" (give something physical)—praise is usually words or feelings, not objects.
- ✓Praise can be small, like a smile, or big, like a public speech.
Try Other Words
- •Compliment: a polite expression of praise or admiration (Use when you want to be friendly and polite but not too formal)
- •Applaud: to show approval by clapping or saying positive words (Use when you want to show praise in a public or loud way)
- •Commend: to praise formally or officially (Use in formal writing or official situations)
- •Honor: to show great respect and praise (Use for very important or special praise)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "praise" (no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: From Old French "preisier" meaning to value or esteem
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 13th century with the meaning of valuing or expressing admiration
- •Modern usage: Used both as a noun (the praise was loud) and a verb (to praise someone), common in everyday and formal language
- •Key insight: Praise is about showing that you think something or someone is good or worthy
Reflect & Connect
•How does praise affect the way people feel about themselves and their work?
•Can too much praise be a problem? When might praise lose its meaning?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave praise ___ his hard work and dedication on the project.
2.When children receive praise, they often feel ___ to try harder.
3.Praise is different from criticism because it focuses only on the ___ parts.
4.The coach praised the team after they ___ a difficult game.
5.People often praise others by saying "___ job" or "well done."
6.In some cultures, public praise is given ___ to motivate people.
7.When you praise someone, you usually want to ___ their good actions or qualities.