kudos
kudos
Pronunciation
/ˈkuːdoʊz/
ku-:
/kuː/ - The "k" sound is a voiceless velar stop. The "oo" sound is a long high back rounded vowel.
-dos:
/doʊz/ - The "d" sound is a voiced alveolar stop. The "o" sound is a diphthong moving from a mid-back rounded vowel to a high-mid back rounded vowel. The "z" sound is a voiced alveolar fricative
Word Form Variations
Kudos:
Originally, "kudos" came from Greek (κῦδος) and was a singular noun meaning "praise" or "renown."
In English, it often appears to be plural because it ends in "-s."
Therefore, it is used as a singular noun. Example: "He received kudos for his work."
It is also used to refer to general praise, or accolades, so it is used in a way that feels plural. Example: "They received many kudos."
Kudo:
"Kudo" is a back-formation from "kudos." This means it was created by mistakenly assuming that "kudos" was plural, and therefore, "kudo" must be singular.
It is now also used as a singular noun.
Though it is used, many grammar experts prefer the use of "kudos".
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1:
Praise or admiration given for an achievement.
Example: "The team received kudos for their innovative solution."
Synonyms:
Acclaim
Praise
Recognition
Applause
Honor
Accolade
Antonyms:
Criticism
Censure
Disapproval
Condemnation
Definition 2:
Prestige or renown resulting from an achievement.
Example: "The project gave the company a lot of kudos within the industry."
Synonyms:
Prestige
Glory
Fame
Reputation
Distinction
Antonyms:
Disgrace
Dishonor
Obscurity
Examples of Use
Newspapers and Online Publications:
"So, kudos to the athletes who gave a voice — and a face — to the issue of mental health this year." (San Diego Union-Tribune)
"The company has earned kudos for responding so quickly to customers' concerns." (Merriam-Webster)
"But it's Raekwon who gets the kudos for the best verse on this classic." (cleveland.com)
"Kudos to the community theater for daring to head to that famous ball and take on this beast of a show." (orlandosentinel.com)
"Milan gets the kudos as Italy's most bike-friendly big city." (Fortune)
General Public Discourse:
"Kudos to you for getting that project done on time!" (Common everyday speech)
"Kudos to the team for their hard work." (Used in business and team settings)
Social media posts often use "kudos" to give praise for a job well done.
Entertainment Mediums:
In various entertainment news outlets, "kudos" is used when describing award ceremonies, or when actors or directors receive praise for their work. For example, when describing award shows, or movie reviews.
In online gaming communities, it is used as a term of praise for good game play.
10 Famous Quotes Using Kudos
“Give kudos freely, for encouragement costs little but yields much.” (Unknown)
“Do not withhold kudos from those who labor in silence; their work often shapes the world.” (Unknown)
“True leaders pass the kudos to their team and shoulder the blame themselves.” (John Wooden)
“Offer kudos not only for achievement, but for perseverance.” (Unknown)
“Generosity in giving kudos is a mark of confidence, not insecurity.” (Eleanor Roosevelt)
“The smallest act of recognition, a simple kudos, can reignite a weary spirit.” (Unknown)
“Be as swift with kudos as you are slow with criticism.” (Unknown)
“Those who crave kudos most may be starving for affirmation elsewhere.” (Unknown)
“A culture that celebrates kudos wisely also cultivates excellence.” (Peter Drucker)
“When you give kudos, you scatter seeds of greatness that may bloom where you least expect.” (Unknown)
Etymology
Ancient Greek Roots:
The word "kudos" comes from the ancient Greek word "κῦδος" (kydos).
In Greek, "kydos" meant "glory," "praise," or "renown." It was about having a good reputation or being admired.
Essentially, it represented the idea of being held in high esteem.
How It Came to English:
English speakers borrowed the word "kudos" from Greek.
Because it ends in "-s," people often mistakenly thought it was a plural word.
So, even though it was originally singular in Greek, it became used as a singular noun in English.
Modern Usage:
Today, we use "kudos" to mean "praise" or "recognition for an achievement."
The word 'kudo' is a back formation, meaning it was made by taking the 's' off of kudos, because people thought it was plural.
It's a way of saying "good job" or giving someone credit for doing something well.
In short, "kudos" started as a Greek word for glory, and we adopted it to express our admiration and praise for someone's accomplishments.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Kudos
Instead of Idioms, We Find Phrases:
"Kudos to [someone]":
This is the most common phrase. It expresses direct praise or recognition.
Example: "Kudos to the team for their hard work."
"Give kudos to [someone]":
This is another common phrase that means to praise someone.
Example: "Let's give kudos to the volunteers who made this event possible."
"Receive kudos":
This phrase indicates that someone has been praised.
Example: "The author received kudos for her latest novel."
"Earn kudos":
This phrase means to gain praise through one's actions.
Example: "The company earned kudos for its environmental initiatives."
Synonymous Idioms and Phrases:
Since "kudos" itself doesn't offer many idioms, we can look at idioms that express similar ideas:
"Give someone a pat on the back":
This idiom means to praise someone for a job well done.
"Take a bow":
This idiom means to accept praise or recognition.
"Hats off to [someone]":
This idiom expresses admiration or respect.
"Well done":
A simple phrase that means good job.
"To sing someone's praises":
To speak very highly of someone.
Original Phrases:
"A shower of kudos":
To receive a large amount of praise.
"Kudos well deserved":
To express that the praise given was justified.
In essence, while "kudos" itself doesn't generate many traditional idioms, we can use related phrases and synonymous idioms to convey the same message of praise and recognition.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of kudos from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
