What is praise? Pronunciation and usage in English

praise means . Learn how to pronounce and use praise through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of praise

praiseverb

/preɪz/
Definition & pronunciation of praise

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "praise" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and explanations:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/preɪz/

2. Breakdown and Explanation:

  • "pre": This part sounds like the beginning of the word "pretty." You'll want a short, quick "eh" sound. Think of it like the "e" in "bed."
  • "ai": This is the tricky part! It's a diphthong, meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds that glide smoothly into each other. It sounds like the "i" in "high" or “eye.” It’s not quite like the "ay" sound in "say."
  • "z": This is a soft “z” sound, similar to the “s” in “measure” or “pizza.”

3. How to Say it Aloud (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with a short "eh" sound: "Preh" (like in "bed")
  2. Blend in the “ai” sound: "Prei" (like in "high" or "eye")
  3. Finish with a soft "z" sound: "Preiz"

4. Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "ai": The diphthong is subtle. It’s more of a smooth glide than a dramatic shift in sound.
  • Practice slowly: Start by saying each part separately ("preh," "prei," "z") and then slowly blend them together.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear how it’s pronounced. You can find many examples on:
    • Google Translate: Type "praise" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/praise/ - This site has pronunciations from native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a few example sentences using "praise"?

Usage and examples with the word praise in English

Let's break down how to use the word "praise" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As a Verb (To Express Approval or Appreciation):

This is the most common use. "Praise" means to express approval, admiration, or gratitude for something or someone.

  • Simple Praise: "I really praise your hard work on this project." (You're acknowledging their effort.)
  • Specific Praise: “She praised his insightful comments in the meeting.” (You’re highlighting a particular quality.)
  • To Express Gratitude: "Thank you for your kindness; I praise you for being such a supportive friend." (You’re showing appreciation.)
  • Formal Praise: "The judges praised the young musician’s exceptional talent." (A more official or serious expression of approval)

Examples in sentences:

  • "The coach praised the team for their teamwork."
  • "Parents praise their children's achievements."
  • "He praised the chef’s innovative use of ingredients."

2. As a Noun (Expression of Approval or Admiration):

"Praise" can also be a noun, referring to the act or expression of praising.

  • General Praise: “The audience gave the performance a standing ovation – a huge amount of praise.” (The applause itself is the praise.)
  • Written Praise: “I received a letter of praise from my boss for my contributions.” (The letter is the praise.)
  • Online Praise: "The influencer received lots of praise on social media for her activism."

3. Phrases Using "Praise":

  • Offer praise: "He offered her sincere praise for her dedication."
  • Give praise: "She always gives praise to those who help her."
  • Earn praise: "He earned praise for his bravery during the rescue."
  • Receive praise: "The actress received praise for her moving portrayal."

Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Applaud: (Often used for performances)
  • Compliment: (A more general positive remark)
  • Admire: (To regard with respect and pleasure)
  • Congratulate: (To express pleasure at someone's success)
  • Laud: (To praise highly, often formally)

Tips for Using "Praise" Effectively:

  • Be Specific: Instead of just saying "Good job," try to explain what you're praising. "I really appreciate how you organized all the data – it made the report so much clearer."
  • Be Genuine: Praise should be sincere. People can tell if you're just saying something to be nice.
  • Consider the Context: The formality of your praise should match the situation.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "praise" in different contexts?
  • Help you write a sentence using "praise"?
  • Explain the difference between "praise" and related words (like "compliment") in more detail?

Synonyms for the word praise

Idioms of the word praise

damn somebody/something with faint praise
to praise somebody/something only a little, in order to show that you do not really like them/it

    Practice with vocabulary praise

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The CEO offered sincere ______ for the team's exceptional performance throughout the challenging quarter.
    2. Instead of immediate solutions, the consultant provided a detailed ______ of the current operational inefficiencies.
    3. Receiving public ______ from her supervisor significantly boosted her confidence.
    4. The board expressed their deep ______ for his long-standing commitment to the company's mission.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. The committee decided to ______ the junior researcher for her groundbreaking discovery. a) disparage b) commend c) praise d) disregard

    2. Despite facing initial skepticism, the project leader eventually earned the ______ of his peers for his persistence. a) condemnation b) admiration c) recognition d) praise

    3. During the annual awards ceremony, the keynote speaker took a moment to ______ the efforts of the volunteers. a) deprecate b) extol c) commend d) lambaste e) praise

    4. The quarterly performance ______ highlighted both strengths and areas for development. a) adulation b) evaluation c) flattery d) assessment

    5. After the successful product launch, the entire team received a formal letter of ______ from the executive board. a) criticism b) appreciation c) commendation d) reproach

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The manager highly complimented Sarah's innovative proposal during the team meeting. (Rewrite using "praise" or a related word form.)
    2. Critics universally applauded the director's latest film for its compelling narrative and stunning visuals. (Rewrite using "praise" or a related word form.)
    3. His colleagues consistently spoke very highly of his unwavering dedication to the project. (Rewrite, but do not use "praise" or its forms.)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The CEO offered sincere praise for the team's exceptional performance throughout the challenging quarter.
    2. Instead of immediate solutions, the consultant provided a detailed critique of the current operational inefficiencies.
    3. Receiving public praise from her supervisor significantly boosted her confidence.
    4. The board expressed their deep appreciation for his long-standing commitment to the company's mission.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) commend, c) praise
    2. b) admiration, c) recognition, d) praise
    3. b) extol, c) commend, e) praise
    4. b) evaluation, d) assessment
    5. b) appreciation, c) commendation

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The manager offered high praise for Sarah's innovative proposal during the team meeting.
    2. The director's latest film garnered universal praise from critics for its compelling narrative and stunning visuals.
    3. His colleagues consistently commended his unwavering dedication to the project.

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