laud
LAWD
/lɔːd/
To praise highly, especially in a public context.
Very close to 'extol', but often carries a slightly more formal, official, or ceremonial tone, frequently used in journalism and reviews.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'laudare', meaning 'to praise, commend, or honor.' This simple Latin verb has survived almost unchanged in meaning, giving us a family of words associated with high honor and public recognition.
Word relationships
- praise: Praise is common and informal, while laud is elevated and formal.
- hail: Hail suggests greeting or acclaiming enthusiastically from a distance, while laud is focused on the expression of high merit.
- criticize: To find fault, whereas laud finds merit.
- censure: To express severe formal disapproval, the direct opposite of formal public praise.
Commonly confused with
- lord: Lord is a title of nobility, while laud is a verb meaning to praise.
Word family
- laudable (adjective): Deserving of praise.
- laudatory (adjective): Expressing praise.
Collocations
- laud the efforts of
- highly lauded
- laud to the skies
Idioms & expressions
- laud to the skies
Example sentences
- "The local media did not hesitate to laud the young girl's quick thinking during the emergency." A newspaper article about a local hero.
Memory hook
Laud sounds like 'Lord'. We sing hymns to laud the Lord. Laud = Lord-like praise.
When not to use
Do not use in casual, informal conversations with friends; it will sound overly stiff.
Fun facts
- The traditional Catholic prayer service held at dawn is called 'Lauds', named so because it consists of psalms of praise.
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