What does laudatory mean?
Laudatory is an adjective meaning that words, comments, or expressions give praise or strong approval. It is commonly used to describe remarks, reviews, speeches, and ceremonies, where it can suggest warmth and appreciation or, occasionally, exaggerated praise. The related noun use is rare and refers to a tribute or expression of praise. Laudatory is more formal than everyday alternatives such as complimentary, while commendatory and eulogistic are even more specialized or ceremonious. The word belongs to the same Latin family as laud, laudable, and laudation, all of which centre on the idea of praising something. Because it distinguishes praise that is expressed from things that merely deserve praise, laudatory is useful in discussing rhetoric, critical responses, official honours, and the tone of public statements.
Expressing praise, commendation, or strong approval.
"The article was laudatory, praising the novel's ambition and originality."
Formal; often used of remarks, reviews, speeches, and other forms of public expression.
A tribute, commendation, or expression of praise.
"The award ceremony was a series of laudatories celebrating the organization's history."
Rare and chiefly formal or archaic.
The plural is rare, reflecting the limited modern use of the noun.
"The programme included laudatories for each of the guest speakers."
Laudatory comes from the Latin word for “to praise”: its roots reach back to the language of formal compliments and ancient public honour.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does laudatory come from?
Laudatory entered English from the Latin adjective laudatorius, meaning “of or relating to praising” and derived from laudare, “to praise.” Its development reflects the long use of Latin praise formulas in public ceremony, religious worship, and formal commemoration. The English noun use, meaning an expression of praise, survives chiefly in formal or archaic contexts. English cognates include laud, laudable, and laudation, all reflecting the same basic Latin idea of praising.
Related word forms
How laudatory is actually used
Laudatory is formal and generally approving. It is often used for praise expressed in speech, writing, reviews, or ceremonies, and can sometimes suggest that the praise is excessive or insincere.
Easily confused with laudatory
Laudatory describes words or statements that express praise, whereas laudable describes people, actions, or things that deserve praise.