Etymology Map
Back to all words

Praise

3 stages from Late Latin to English.

Today it means to express approval or admiration

Where does the word "praise" come from? It comes from Late Latin pretium, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pretium
Late Latin · ancient
"value, price"
the same word gave 'price' and 'prize'
2
Stage 2 of 3
preisier
Old French · medieval
"to value, prize"
putting a high value on someone
3
Stage 3 of 3
praise
English · 1200s
"to value; to commend"
split from 'price' and 'prize' as each took a different sense
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Praise’s story begins in Late Latin: pretium meant “value, price.” The same word gave 'price' and 'prize'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as preisier. Putting a high value on someone. It reached English by 1200s as praise. Split from 'price' and 'prize' as each took a different sense. Today, praise means to express approval or admiration.