Expressing Respect and Approval: English Vocabulary List

to express joy and good wishes to someone for their achievements or on special occasions

"We felicitate you on your achievement."

"The entire department gathered to felicitate their colleague on winning the prestigious research award for her groundbreaking work in the field."

to praise or express admiration for someone or something

"The critics lauded the director's new film."

"The critics widely lauded the director's latest film as a masterpiece of modern cinema and a triumph of storytelling and visual artistry."

to feel deep respect or admiration for someone or something

"Many cultures revere their ancestors."

"In many cultures people deeply revere their elders and treat them with the utmost respect and gratitude for their wisdom and experience."

to praise highly, especially in a formal speech or writing

"He eulogized his late father at the funeral."

"The close friend gave a moving speech to eulogize the deceased and shared many happy memories of their time spent together over the years."

to preserve or cherish as though sacred

"The constitution enshrines freedom of speech."

"The nation's constitution enshrines the right to free speech as a fundamental principle that cannot be taken away by any government or law."

to feel or display a great amount of respect toward something or someone

"They venerate saints in their religion."

"The ancient temple was built to venerate the gods that the local people believed controlled the rain the sun and the harvest each year."

to speak positively about someone or something and suggest their suitability

"I commend you for your hard work."

"I would like to commend all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly to help the victims of the devastating flood recover and rebuild their homes."

to speak or write about someone or something in a very positive and enthusiastic way

"They sing the praises of her."

"Everyone in the office sings the praises of the new software because it has made work much easier."

to praise highly

"He extolled the virtues of a healthy diet."

"The motivational speaker spent the entire seminar extolling the virtues of hard work discipline and positive thinking as the keys to success in life."

to make something sacred through religious ceremonies

"This ground is hallowed by history."

"The ground where the brave soldiers fell in battle is considered hallowed and will be preserved as a sacred memorial for future generations to visit."