Laud vs. Praise — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 7, 2024
Both "laud" and "praise" involve expressing admiration or approval, but "laud" typically implies a more formal or public commendation, whereas "praise" can be more casual and personal.
Difference Between Laud and Praise
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Key Differences
Laud is often used in formal contexts or in writing to denote a high level of public commendation or honor. Whereas praise is more versatile, applicable in both casual and formal settings, often implying a warmer, more personal expression of approval.
Laud frequently appears in contexts involving ceremonies, official recognitions, or literary works, where a significant accolade is presented. On the other hand, praise can be given in everyday conversations, such as complimenting a friend’s cooking or acknowledging a colleague's help.
Laud might carry a tone of solemnity and distinction, suitable for acknowledging achievements like scientific breakthroughs or significant artistic contributions. While praise can be expressed through simple phrases and gestures that indicate appreciation in daily interactions.
Laud usually involves acknowledgment that elevates the recipient’s status in a community or field. Whereas praise focuses more on encouragement and reinforcement of positive behavior or actions.
Laud often comes from a position of authority or expertise, making it weightier in terms of social or professional impact. While praise can be given by anyone regardless of their social standing or relationship to the recipient.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Formal and ceremonial
Can be formal or informal
Context
Public recognitions, official documents
Everyday interactions, personal feedback
Tone
Solemn, distinguished
Warm, encouraging
Source
Authorities, critics, leaders
Anyone, including peers and superiors
Impact
Elevates status, significant commendation
Encourages, reinforces behavior
Compare with Definitions
Laud
Usually involves a more formal language.
The committee lauded her innovative approach with an award.
Praise
Common in everyday language.
I want to praise your dedication to this project.
Laud
Implies a degree of formality and distinction.
She was lauded for her lifelong contributions to science.
Praise
Does not necessarily imply formality or public acknowledgment.
We praised his decision to volunteer at the shelter.
Laud
To praise highly, especially in a public context.
The mayor lauded the firefighters for their bravery during the ceremony.
Praise
To express warm approval or admiration of.
She always praises her students to motivate them.
Laud
Often associated with a formal recognition.
The novel was lauded as a masterpiece by literary critics.
Praise
Can be given in personal or informal settings.
He praised his son’s efforts at the school play.
Laud
Used particularly when referring to achievements or significant contributions.
His work was lauded by the entire academic community.
Praise
Encourages and affirms positive actions or behaviors.
Her coach praised her for her hard work during practice.
Laud
To give praise to; glorify.
Praise
Praise as a form of social interaction expresses recognition, reassurance or admiration. Praise is expressed verbally as well as by body language (facial expression and gestures).
Laud
Praise; glorification.
Praise
Express warm approval or admiration of
We can't praise Chris enough—he did a brilliant job
Laud
A hymn or song of praise.
Praise
Express one's respect and gratitude towards (a deity), especially in song
We praise God for past blessings
Laud
(Ecclesiastical) The service of prayers formerly following the matins and constituting with them the first of the seven canonical hours.
Praise
The expression of approval or admiration for someone or something
The audience was full of praise for the whole production
Laud
The time appointed for this service.
Praise
The expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship
Give praise to God
Laud
Glorification or praise.
Praise
Expression of approval, commendation, or admiration.
Laud
Hymn of praise.
Praise
The extolling or exaltation of a deity, ruler, or hero.
Laud
A prayer service following matins.
Praise
(Archaic) A reason for praise; merit.
Laud
To praise; to glorify.
Praise
To express warm approval of, commendation for, or admiration for.
Laud
High commendation; praise; honor; exaltation; glory.
So do well and thou shalt have laud of the same.
Praise
To express a feeling of veneration or gratitude to (a deity); worship or glorify.
Laud
A part of divine worship, consisting chiefly of praise; - usually in the pl.
Praise
Commendation; favourable representation in words.
The writer's latest novel received great praise in the media.
You deserve praise for the hard work you've done recently.
She gave them some faint praise for their assignments, despite not being totally convinced by the quality.
Dim praise
Laud
Music or singing in honor of any one.
Praise
Worship.
Praise of God
Laud
To praise in words alone, or with words and singing; to celebrate; to extol.
With all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name.
Praise
To give praise to; to commend, glorify, or worship.
Be sure to praise Bobby for his excellent work at school this week.
Some of the passengers were heard praising God as the stricken plane landed safely.
Laud
Praise, glorify, or honor;
Extol the virtues of one's children
Glorify one's spouse's cooking
Praise
To commend; to applaud; to express approbation of; to laud; - applied to a person or his acts.
Let her own works praise her in the gates.
We praise not Hector, though his name, we know,Is great in arms; 't is hard to praise a foe.
Praise
To extol in words or song; to magnify; to glorify on account of perfections or excellent works; to do honor to; to display the excellence of; - applied especially to the Divine Being.
Praise ye him, all his angels; praise ye him, all his hosts!
Praise
To value; to appraise.
Praise
Commendation for worth; approval expressed; honor rendered because of excellence or worth; laudation; approbation.
There are men who always confound the praise of goodness with the practice.
Praise
Especially, the joyful tribute of gratitude or homage rendered to the Divine Being; the act of glorifying or extolling the Creator; worship, particularly worship by song, distinction from prayer and other acts of worship; as, a service of praise.
Praise
The object, ground, or reason of praise.
He is thy praise, and he is thy God.
Praise
An expression of approval and commendation;
He always appreciated praise for his work
Praise
Offering words of homage as an act of worship;
They sang a hymn of praise to God
Praise
Express approval of;
The parents praised their children for their academic performance
Common Curiosities
Can praising someone too frequently diminish its effect?
Yes, over-praising can diminish the perceived sincerity of the praise and may reduce its motivational impact.
What are some synonyms for laud?
Synonyms for laud include extol, acclaim, and commend.
Is laud always positive?
Yes, lauding is inherently positive as it involves commending someone highly for their achievements or qualities.
What is the impact of praise on workplace morale?
Praise can significantly boost workplace morale by making employees feel valued and motivated.
How does culture influence the practice of praising?
Cultural background can influence how, when, and whom people choose to praise, with some cultures being more reserved and others more expressive.
What should be avoided when praising someone?
Avoid being vague, insincere, or excessive, as these can undermine the effectiveness of praise.
What situations typically warrant the use of laud?
Situations that warrant laud include formal award ceremonies, official recognitions, or in written tributes to acknowledge significant contributions.
How do praise and criticism work together in feedback?
Balanced feedback that includes both praise for strengths and constructive criticism for areas of improvement can be very effective in fostering growth and development.
Does lauding require a public audience?
While laud often implies a public or formal setting, it can also occur in private as part of official records or communications.
How can parents balance praise and encouragement in child-rearing?
Parents can balance praise and encouragement by recognizing effort rather than just results, helping children develop resilience and a growth mindset.
What is the difference between praise and flattery?
Praise is genuine and meant to acknowledge and reinforce positive traits or behaviors, whereas flattery is often excessive, unearned, or given with ulterior motives, such as to gain favor.
Can laud be used in written communications?
Yes, laud is often used in written communications, especially in formal contexts such as in letters of recommendation, accolades, or public announcements.
What psychological effects does praise have on individuals?
Psychologically, praise can boost self-esteem, enhance motivation, and reinforce desirable behavior.
How can managers effectively use praise in the workplace?
Managers can effectively use praise by being specific about what behaviors or results they are praising, making it timely and sincere.
Is there a risk of dependency on praise?
Yes, some individuals might become dependent on external validation if praise is their primary source of motivation.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
