The expression of approval, admiration, or commendation for someone or something, often acknowledging merit, achievement, or positive qualities. It can be given verbally, in writing, or through actions.
From Old French 'preisier' meaning 'to prize' or 'to value,' ultimately from Latin 'pretium' meaning 'price' or 'value.' The word evolved from the concept of assigning worth or value to something into expressing approval.
The connection between 'praise' and 'price' reveals how appreciation literally meant 'putting a value on' something—praise is the social currency we use to assign worth. This economic metaphor persists in phrases like 'cheap praise' or 'earning recognition.'
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