Spanish Conversation · Level 65
60 words
Spanish word
alabar
Pronunciation
IPA/alaˈβaɾ/
Meaning
- verbpraise
Example
Siempre alaba a su hijo por su esfuerzo.
He always praises his son for his effort.
More examples
Los profesores suelen alabar el progreso de los estudiantes.
Teachers tend to praise the students' progress.
Core concept
Putting approval or praise into words about someone's qualities, deeds, or things.
Common phrases
alabar a alguien por algo
praise somebody for something
alabar el trabajo
praise the work
alabar públicamente
praise in public
Similar words
elogiar: Praises a person's merits or behavior using measured, respectful, or formal language.
felicitar: Offers verbal congratulations and good wishes for celebrations, successes, or milestones.
reconocer: Verbally recognizes a person's effort or results, emphasizing the achievement itself.
halagar: Delivers flattering, often exaggerated compliments intended to charm or curry favor.
Definition in Spanish
Expresar con palabras admiración o aprobación hacia una persona, acción o cosa.
Word origin
From Latin laudāre 'to praise', the word is cognate with English laud and enters Spanish through regular Romance sound changes.
Usage tips
- Elogiar is a slightly more formal synonym while alabar is common in everyday speech, and when a reason is given it frequently appears with por to introduce it.