PRAISE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does praise mean? 

• PRAISE (noun)
  The noun PRAISE has 2 senses:

1. an expression of approval and commendation

2. offering words of homage as an act of worship

  Familiarity information: PRAISE used as a noun is rare.

• PRAISE (verb)
  The verb PRAISE has 1 sense:

1. express approval of

  Familiarity information: PRAISE used as a verb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• PRAISE (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An expression of approval and commendation

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Synonyms:

congratulations; extolment; kudos; praise

Context example:

he always appreciated praise for his work

Hypernyms ("praise" is a kind of...):

approval; commendation (a message expressing a favorable opinion)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "praise"):

encomium; eulogy; paean; panegyric; pean (a formal expression of praise)

eulogium; eulogy (a formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently)

good word; recommendation; testimonial (something that recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as worthy or desirable)

compliment (a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration)

superlative (an exaggerated expression (usually of praise))

Derivation:

praise (express approval of)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Offering words of homage as an act of worship

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Context example:

they sang a hymn of praise to God

Hypernyms ("praise" is a kind of...):

worship (the activity of worshipping)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "praise"):

hallelujah (a shout or song of praise to God)

• PRAISE (verb)

Present simple: I / you / we / they praise    ... he / she / it praises   
Past simple: praised   
Past participle: praised   
-ing form: praising   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Express approval of

Classified under:

Verbs of telling, asking, ordering, singing

Context example:

The parents praised their children for their academic performance

Hypernyms (to "praise" is one way to...):

appraise; assess; evaluate; measure; valuate; value (evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of)

Troponyms (each of the following is one way to "praise"):

sonnet (praise in a sonnet)

puff; puff up (praise extravagantly)

advertise; advertize; promote; push (make publicity for; try to sell (a product))

commend; recommend (express a good opinion of)

commend (express approval of)

gush; rave (praise enthusiastically)

compliment; congratulate (say something to someone that expresses praise)

eulogise; eulogize (praise formally and eloquently)

blandish; flatter (praise somewhat dishonestly)

exalt; extol; glorify; laud; proclaim (praise, glorify, or honor)

applaud (express approval of)

salute (express commendation of)

troll (praise or celebrate in song)

Sentence frames:

Somebody ----s something
Somebody ----s somebody
Something ----s somebody
Something ----s something

Sentence example:

Sam and Sue praise the movie

Antonym:

criticize (find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws)

Derivation:

praise (an expression of approval and commendation)

 Context examples 

You may have already received praise, publicity, a job offer, or promotion, but if not, you have another shot at getting recognition this month.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

I am sure there is nobody's praise that could give us so much pleasure as Miss Woodhouse's.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

All were unconscious that this experience was a test of character, and when the first excitement was over, felt that they had done well and deserved praise.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Not that he was to be praised for it.

(White Fang, by Jack London)

Steerforth said there was nothing of the sneak in Traddles, and we all felt that to be the highest praise.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Mrs. Jennings was very warm in her praise of Edward's conduct, but only Elinor and Marianne understood its true merit.

(Sense and Sensibility, by Jane Austen)

Ruth knew them for clever girls, superficially brilliant, and she could scarcely understand their praise of Martin later that night at going to bed.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

Her temper he had good reason to depend on and to praise.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

“It was a small thing,” he answered, with a tingle of pleasure at these sweet words of praise.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

But, doctor, you praise me too much, and—and you do not know me.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)