Have you ever been confused by the definition of triumph? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word triumph, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, Dictionary, and Cambridge Dictionary, the word triumph (pronounced ˈtraɪəmf) is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, the word is used to refer to some great success, achievement or victory. This is particularly used when it comes to battles and conquests. It can also describe the feelings of joy that are associated with such victory. As a verb, the word triumph is used to refer to the action of gaining victory over an opponent, or to have some great success. This exultation of victory might cause someone jubilation, and they may even gloat due to their proud victory. A victorious general in Ancient Rome may consider themselves triumphant when they win a battle. Great triumph often brings people great joy. This state of joy is also known as triumph. This successful ending of a struggle often causes elation, hence the secondary meaning of the word triumph.
The word triumph is also present in many other languages. You may notice that many of these words look similar and sound similar to the word triumph. This is likely because they are of a common origin. Often, words with a similar origin will be cognates for each other. This list of translations for the word triumph is provided by Word Sense.
Japanese: 勝利 (しょうり, shōri), 偉業 (いぎょう, igyō)
Dutch: triomf
Bokmål: triumf (masc.)
Georgian: ტრიუმფი
Spanish: triunfo (masc.)
Thai: ชัย (chai)
Portuguese: triunfo (masc.)
Danish: triumf (common)
Hungarian: diadal
Latin: triumphus (masc.)
Persian: پیروزی (piruzi)
Finnish: voitto, riemuvoitto
Hebrew: נִצָּחוֹן (nitsahon)
Russian: триу́мф (masc.), побе́да (fem.)
Korean: 승리 (勝利)
Romanian: triumf (neut.)
Armenian: տրիումֆ, հաղթանակ
Nynorsk: triumf (masc.)
Catalan: triomf (masc.)
Chinese – Mandarin: 凱旋, 凯旋 (kǎixuán), 勝利, 胜利 (shènglì)
Indonesian: kemenangan
Greek: θρίαμβος (masc.)
Italian: trionfo (masc.)
Turkish: zafer
German: Triumph (masc.)
French: triomphe (masc.)
Marathi: विजय
What is the origin of the word triumph?
According to Etymonline, the noun triumph has been used since the late 14th century to refer to some success in battle or conquest. This was also used to mean a spiritual victory or celebration. This word comes from the Old French triumphe which was used in the 12th century. In Modern French, this is the word triomphe. This comes from the Latin triumphus which is a word that means achievement or success, or some celebration for said victory or success. This comes from the Old Latin triumpus which probably came from Etruscan. The Etruscan word likely came from the Greek thriambos, which was a hymn to the god Dionysus. This is what is considered a loan word from a pre-Hellenic language. The word triumph was used as a verb starting in the mid-15th century. This word is of similar origins and comes from the Old French triumpher, a verb used in the 13th century. This comes from the Latin triumphare and triumphus. Related words include triumphed, triumphing, triumphant, triumphal, and trump.
How can the word triumph be used in a sentence?
The word triumph can be used in many contexts as a noun or a verb to describe some great victory or success. In this example, Natasha has just been awarded the end of year cross country championship, but she looks sad. Her friend Gemma asks her what’s wrong.
Gemma: Natasha, why are you so sad? You just had a huge triumph, you’re the fastest one one the team. Why so blue?
Natasha: I dunno, it just doesn’t really feel like a triumph. Like, we had two seniors out and they were super fast. It just feels like everyone’s mad at me. I didn’t choose to get the award.
Gemma: They’re not mad, they’re jealous. Be proud of your victory.
What are synonyms and antonyms for the word triumph?
There are many different words that one can use in place of the word triumph These are considered synonyms, which are words that have the same definition as another word or phrase. Synonyms are useful to know if you are trying to avoid repeating yourself or if you are looking to expand your vocabulary. This list of synonyms for the word triumph is provided by Thesaurus.
conquest
tour de force
big win
homer
riot
cinch
success
vanquishment
splash
sure thing
ascendancy
hit
sell
accomplishment
surmounting
takeover
shoo-in
grand slam
feat
pushover
exultation
gain
feather in cap
win
sure bet
smash-hit
hole in one
big hit
score
walkover
clean sweep
attainment
sensation
the gold
coup
vanquishing
There are also many different words that have the opposite meaning as the word triumph. These are considered antonyms. Antonyms are also very useful to know if you want to expand your vocabulary and knowledge of the English language. This list of antonyms for the word triumph is also provided by Thesaurus.
decline
deficit
fiasco
sinking ship
failure
loss
defeat
misstep
implosion
stalemate
bungle
bomb
breakdown
bust
collapse
flop
botch
rupture
misadventure
deficiency
deterioration
decay
wreck
miscarriage
stoppage
bankruptcy
loser
nonsuccess
frustration
turkey
washout
lead balloon
failing
downfall
flash in the pan
false step
mess
checkmate
inadequacy
overthrow
faux pas
rout
lemon
abortion
nonperformance
total loss
Overall, the word triumph can either be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to some great victory or success, such as a personal triumph over smoking after one quits. It can also refer to the glee that comes from said victory. As a verb, the word triumph refers to the action of obtaining the victory itself.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.