Overview
Praise, a fundamental aspect of human expression, encapsulates our admiration and approval for the remarkable qualities, actions, or achievements of individuals or objects. Whether celebrating an artist’s masterpiece, commending a colleague’s hard work, or appreciating a child’s effort, praise serves as a powerful means of acknowledging excellence. To convey appreciation effectively and accurately, it is essential to grasp the nuances of various collocations, idioms, and prepositions associated with praise. In this article, we delve into the art of praising, enhancing our ability to uplift and recognize greatness through language.
Defining the Word ‘Praise’
When we use the term 'Praise', we are referring to the act of expressing our positive evaluation or admiration towards someone or something. It is a way of acknowledging and appreciating the qualities, actions or achievements of a person or an object. It can be used both as a noun and a verb. For instance,
- Critics praised her as both an actor and director.
- He deserves praise for the way he's handled this crisis.
Synonyms
The most common synonyms of the word ‘Praise’ are ‘Laud’, ‘Exalt’, ‘Extol’, and ‘Glorify’. Although these are all synonymous in their meanings, they carry their peculiar nuances and shades.
Laud
Laud means to praise someone or something highly, especially in a formal or religious context. It can also mean to celebrate or honor someone or something. For example, you might say "The minister lauded the congregation for their generosity."
Exalt
Exalt means to raise someone or something to a high position or rank. It can also mean to praise or glorify someone or something very highly. For example, you might say "The king was exalted to the status of god."
Extol
Extol means to praise or glorify someone or something very highly, often in a long and detailed way. For example, you might say "The speaker extolled the virtues of hard work and perseverance."
Glorify
Glorify means to praise or worship someone or something as being divine or sacred. It can also mean to make someone or something seem more glorious or impressive than they really are. For example, you might say "The artist glorified the beauty of the natural world."
Antonyms
The most common antonym of the word ‘Praise’ are ‘Criticize’, ‘Censure’, ‘Reprehend’, ‘Reprobate’, and ‘Reprove’. While these words may share similar definitions, each one possesses its own unique nuances and subtle distinctions.
Criticize
Criticize is the most general of these words. It can be used to express any kind of disapproval, from mild to severe. For example, you might say that you "criticize" a movie for being boring or that you "criticize" a politician for their policies.
Censure
Censure is a more formal word than "criticize." It is often used to express official disapproval, such as by a government or a religious organization. For example, a government might "censure" a diplomat for their actions.
Reprove
Reprove and reprehend are both more severe than "criticize." They are often used to express disapproval that is accompanied by a sense of moral judgment. For example, a parent might "reprove" a child for misbehaving or a teacher might "reprehend" a student for cheating.
Reprobate
Reprobate is the most severe of these words. It is used to describe someone who is morally corrupt or degenerate. For example, you might say that a criminal is a "reprobate."
Collocations
Following are the collocations associated with the word ‘Praise’:
High Praise
High praise means that someone or something is being praised very highly. For example, you might say that a book has received high praise from critics
Lavish Praise
Lavish praise means that someone or something is being praised very enthusiastically. For example, you might say that a politician has been lavished with praise by the media.
Unqualified Praise
Unqualified praise means that someone or something is being praised without any reservation. For example, you might say that a performance was met with unqualified praise from the audience.
Faint Praise
Faint praise means that someone or something is being praised in a very tepid or half-hearted way. For example, you might say that a politician's speech was met with faint praise from the press.
Deserve Praise
Deserve praise means that someone or something is worthy of praise. For example, you might say that the firefighters deserve praise for their bravery.
Idioms
Following are the idioms associated with the word ‘Praise’:
Praise to the Skies
Praise to the skies means to praise someone or something very highly. It is often used in a humorous or ironic way. For example, you might say "The politician was praised to the skies by his supporters, even though he had done nothing to deserve it."
To Sing Someone's Praise
To sing someone's praises means to praise someone very highly. It is often used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic about someone or something. For example, you might say "The teacher's students were singing her praises after she gave them a good grade on their test."
To Heap Praise On
To heap praise on means to praise someone or something very enthusiastically. It is often used to describe someone who is very effusive in their praise. For example, you might say "The critic heaped praise on the new movie, calling it a masterpiece."
To Laud to the Highest Heavens
To laud to the highest heavens means to praise someone or something very highly. It is a formal way of saying "Praise to the Skies."
To Speak Highly Of
To speak highly of means to praise someone or something in a positive way. It is a more general way of saying "Praise." For example, you might say "The boss spoke highly of the employee's work ethic."
Prepositions
Following are the prepositions associated with the word ‘Praise’:
For
For is used to indicate the reason for the praise. For example, you might say "The teacher praised the student for his hard work."
With
With is used to indicate the way in which someone is being praised. For example, you might say "The teacher praised the student with a smile."
Common Errors
Following are the common errors associated with the word ‘Praise’:
Confusing "Praise" with "Compliment"
The words "Praise" and "Compliment" are often confused, but they have different meanings. "Praise" is a more general term that can be used to express approval or admiration for someone or something. "Compliment" is more specific and is used to express admiration for a specific quality or attribute.
Using "Praise" in a Religious Context When "Glorify" or "Exalt" is More Appropriate
The word "Praise" can be used in a religious context, but it is often used interchangeably with the words "Glorify" and "Exalt." However, these words have slightly different meanings. "Glorify" means to honor or worship someone or something, while "Exalt" means to raise someone or something to a high position.