Lauded

Lauded is the past participle of the verb laud, meaning praised or extolled. It functions as an adjective to indicate that someone or something has received widespread praise, such as a lauded novel or a lauded scientist, and it can appear in passive constructions like “the film was lauded by critics.”

Etymology: the word comes from Old French laudé, from Latin laudatus, the past participle of laudare “to praise.”

Usage and nuance: Lauded is common in formal writing, literary criticism, and journalism. It signals respect or approval from critics, peers, or the public and often implies notable or sustained acclaim rather than brief praise. It should not be confused with Lauds, the name of a liturgical hour in Christian tradition.

Examples: The documentary was lauded for its rigorous reporting. The novel was lauded for its character development and narrative structure.

Related terms: laud (to praise); laudable (worthy of praise); laudatory (expressing praise). Antonyms include criticize, denounce, condemn.