WordGarden.iotriumphant
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /traɪˈʌmfənt/
US
- /traɪˈəmfənt/
Meanings
Adjective
feeling or showing great joy after a victory or success
having won or succeeded decisively in a contest, struggle, or campaign
Beyond the definition
To be triumphant means to feel the joy of a great victory or success. Think of a marathon runner crossing the finish line, exhausted but triumphant. It is more than just doing well; it suggests beating difficulties and feeling deeply proud of what you have done. A "triumphant return" can describe someone coming back after a long absence and being warmly welcomed, while a "triumphant melody" can describe music that sounds bold, proud, and full of victory. You can also use the word for something that clearly shows this feeling, like a triumphant smile or a triumphant wave to the crowd.
The word "triumphant" describes the feeling and appearance of complete success, often after overcoming significant obstacles. It is not just about winning; it is about the exhilaration and pride that come with achieving a hard-fought goal. Imagine a Roman general returning to Rome after a successful campaign, greeted by cheering crowds and grand parades. That image embodies the essence of being triumphant.
You can feel triumphant, experiencing an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment: "She felt triumphant when she finally finished the difficult project." You can also describe something as triumphant when it displays or celebrates victory: "The band played a triumphant fanfare to announce the king's arrival." Or consider a "triumphant comeback"—a return to success after a long period of failure or hardship.
Historically, the word comes from the Latin triumphus, a ceremonial procession celebrating military victories. This origin explains why "triumphant" often carries a sense of grandeur and public recognition. However, it does not require a large audience; a quiet, personal victory can be just as triumphant.
Whether you are describing a grand celebration, a personal achievement, or an object that embodies success, "triumphant" captures the powerful feeling of overcoming challenges and achieving a glorious outcome.
Examples
- 1
Athletic success
After months of training, she crossed the finish line with a triumphant smile.
- 2
Championship return
The team made a triumphant return to the city after winning the championship.
- Phrasetriumphant return
coming back after a big success
- 3
Approval
His voice sounded triumphant when he heard that his proposal had been approved.
- 4
Vindicated look
She gave me a triumphant look that clearly said, "I told you so."
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Ending tone
The film ends on a triumphant note, with the family finally together again.
- Phraseon a triumphant note
with a victorious, positive feeling
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- triumphant return
- triumphant smile
- triumphant victory
Word family
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Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- triumphantadjective