What does laud mean?
Laud is a formal word for praising or commending someone or something with conspicuous approval. As a verb, it is commonly transitive: one lauds a person, achievement, quality, or work, often for a particular reason. Typical contexts include literary criticism, ceremonial speeches, awards, and official statements. The expression has an elevated tone and suggests not merely ordinary approval but strong, often publicly expressed admiration. “Widely lauded” is especially common when describing works, performances, or people praised by critics or the public. The noun use is much less frequent and can mean a formal or ceremonial expression of praise. Although “praise” is the ordinary modern equivalent, laud adds a sense of dignity, ceremony, or emphatic admiration. The word is useful when describing language intended to honor achievement or recognize exceptional qualities, and it lends a distinctive, authoritative character to both formal writing and speech.
To praise or commend someone or something highly.
"The committee lauded the volunteers for their dedication."
Formal and literary in tone; frequently paired with an object and a reason or quality being praised.
A formal expression of praise or commendation.
"The old poem was a laud of courage and loyalty."
Rare in modern general usage and more characteristic of elevated, ceremonial, or archaic contexts.
The plural is rare and chiefly appears in elevated, ceremonial, historical, or biblical contexts.
"The ceremony offered lauds to the community’s founders."
Laud comes from the Latin laus, meaning “praise,” and has helped give English its vocabulary of approval.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laud come from?
Laud entered English during the Middle English period from Latin laudare, meaning “to praise.” The Latin verb was formed from laus, laudis, “praise” or “glory.” English derivatives such as laudable, laudatory, and laudation preserve the same Latin foundation, while the word’s modern verb use is considerably more common than its literary noun use.
Related word forms
How laud is actually used
As a verb, laud is formal and literary rather than conversational. As a noun, it is rare and chiefly used in elevated, ceremonial, or archaic contexts.
Easily confused with laud
Laud means to praise, whereas loaded means carrying a load or, informally, heavily supplied with something.