Triumph
/ˈtraɪ.ʌmf/noun
A great victory or a successful achievement.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, a triumph was a sacred victory parade, but the word itself traces back through Latin to Greek ritual songs for Dionysus, making success sound like a ceremony of divine frenzy.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
θρίαμβος (thriambos)
“A ritual hymn or chant for Dionysus; later, a victory procession song.”
Classical Latin
Latin
triumphus
“A Roman general’s victory procession and the celebration of it.”
Late Latin
Latin
triumphare
“To celebrate a victory with a triumph.”
Old French
Old French
triumphe
“A triumph; a victorious procession or splendid success.”
Middle English
English
triumphe
“A victory procession or the state of being victorious.”
Modern English
English
triumph
“A great victory or successful achievement.”