Praise vs. Venerate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 8, 2024
Praise generally involves expressing approval or admiration, often for specific actions or qualities, whereas venerate involves a deeper reverence, typically reserved for someone highly respected or sacred.
Difference Between Praise and Venerate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Praise typically manifests as verbal commendation or positive feedback directed at a person's actions or achievements. It's often used in casual, everyday contexts to acknowledge someone's good work or qualities. On the other hand, veneration is a much stronger form of respect, usually associated with deep admiration for someone's character or their contributions on a grand, often spiritual or cultural, scale.
Praising someone can be as simple as a compliment or an encouraging word, making it accessible and commonly practiced among peers, within families, or in the workplace. Whereas veneration is characterized by a profound honor and respect that might include rituals or formal acts, often observed in religious or significant cultural contexts.
Praise is usually immediate and can be given to anyone regardless of the depth of the relationship, focusing on specific qualities or actions. On the other hand, veneration typically develops over time and is reserved for a few individuals whom one holds in exceptionally high esteem, often transcending personal relationships.
The act of praising does not necessarily imply a power dynamic; it is an exchange that can occur between equals. In contrast, veneration often involves a degree of subordination, recognizing someone’s superior qualities or status.
While praise often serves to encourage or reinforce desired behaviors or to simply make someone feel appreciated, veneration carries with it a sense of awe and is often linked to the ideals or values that the venerated person embodies.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Express approval or admiration for actions/traits
Show deep respect, especially in a ritual context
Context
Casual, everyday settings
Often spiritual or significant cultural settings
Relationship Dynamics
Can occur between equals
Often involves a sense of subordination
Frequency
Common and can be frequent
Less common, reserved for few individuals
Purpose
Encouragement, recognition
Awe, deep respect for ideals/values
Compare with Definitions
Praise
Applaud or honor for an achievement.
The community praised the firefighters for their bravery.
Venerate
Admire intensely and respectfully.
The professor was venerated by students and colleagues alike.
Praise
Offer positive feedback to reinforce behavior.
He praised his son for his honesty.
Venerate
Show devout affection and dedication towards.
Followers often venerate saints by visiting their shrines.
Praise
Acknowledge the merit of someone or something.
Critics praised the novel for its intricate plot and character development.
Venerate
Treat someone or something with awe and respect due to their sacred status.
The relics were venerated as sacred artifacts.
Praise
Recognize publicly; commend.
The CEO praised the team's hard work during the annual meeting.
Venerate
Regard with great respect or reverence, often due to age, wisdom, or character.
Many venerate the Dalai Lama for his spiritual insight and leadership.
Praise
Express admiration or approval for someone's success or qualities.
She received praise from her peers for her innovative approach.
Venerate
Honor with a ritual act of devotion.
In some cultures, ancestors are venerated through various ceremonies.
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).
Venerate
To regard with deep respect or reverence. ]
Praise
Express warm approval or admiration of
We can't praise Chris enough—he did a brilliant job
Venerate
(transitive) To treat with great respect and deference.
Praise
Express one's respect and gratitude towards (a deity), especially in song
We praise God for past blessings
Venerate
(transitive) To revere or hold in awe.
Praise
The expression of approval or admiration for someone or something
The audience was full of praise for the whole production
Venerate
To regard with reverential respect; to honor with mingled respect and awe; to reverence; to revere; as, we venerate parents and elders.
And seemed to venerate the sacred shade.
I do not know a man more to be venerated for uprightness of heart and loftiness of genius.
Praise
The expression of respect and gratitude as an act of worship
Give praise to God
Venerate
Regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of;
Fear God as your father
We venerate genius
Praise
Expression of approval, commendation, or admiration.
Praise
The extolling or exaltation of a deity, ruler, or hero.
Praise
(Archaic) A reason for praise; merit.
Praise
To express warm approval of, commendation for, or admiration for.
Praise
To express a feeling of veneration or gratitude to (a deity); worship or glorify.
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
Praise
Worship.
Praise of God
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.
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 praise be considered a form of veneration?
No, praise is generally less intense and more common than veneration, which is reserved for deep respect and often involves a spiritual or formal context.
How can someone express praise?
Praise can be expressed through compliments, positive feedback, or public acknowledgment.
Is veneration only applicable in religious contexts?
While often used in religious contexts, veneration can also occur in cultural or academic settings, wherever deep respect and reverence are appropriate.
What are common contexts for veneration?
Common contexts for veneration include religious ceremonies, cultural rituals, or honoring highly respected individuals in society.
What is the main difference between praise and venerate?
Praise involves expressing approval typically for specific actions or qualities, while venerate involves showing deep, often spiritual respect towards someone or something.
What does it mean to venerate a tradition?
To venerate a tradition means to hold it in high esteem and to honor it, often through continued practice and respect.
Is it appropriate to venerate a colleague?
Typically, veneration is reserved for figures of significant spiritual, cultural, or moral stature, rather than colleagues, unless they hold a profoundly respected position or legacy.
How does praise affect workplace morale?
Praise in the workplace can significantly boost morale and motivation, reinforcing positive behaviors and achievements.
Can praise be informal?
Yes, praise is often informal and can be given during casual interactions or in everyday situations.
Is veneration always positive?
Veneration is generally positive as it stems from respect and admiration; however, it can be problematic if it discourages critical thinking or questioning of traditional or authoritative figures.
What role does praise play in education?
In education, praise is used as a tool to encourage and motivate students, helping to reinforce learning and positive behavior.
Can veneration lead to a cult of personality?
Excessive veneration can lead to a cult of personality, especially if focused on a single individual to an extent that it blinds followers to faults.
What can be the consequences of not providing praise where it is due?
Failing to provide praise where due can lead to diminished morale, decreased motivation, and potentially undervaluing individuals' contributions or achievements.
Why might someone choose to venerate an ancestor?
Venerating an ancestor may be part of cultural traditions that honor family lineage and the wisdom of previous generations.
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Written by
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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
