Pronunciation: [‘ku-dos or ‘ku-dahs or ‘ku-doz or ‘ku-dahz]
Definition 1: Acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement.
Usage 1: ‘Kudos’ may be one of those words that is more common in the business sector, but it can also be found in other areas. Occasionally you may hear someone use the term ‘kudo’ for an individual, a back-formation created by removing the ‘s’ in a mistaken attempt to form a singular. Just remember, kudos is the appropriate noun of acclamation in response to any great feat.
Suggested usage: ‘Kudos’ appears to be a plural form to us English speakers, due to its final ‘s’. Technically, however, it is singular. In addition, the pronunciation of this final consonant should follow the pattern of other borrowed Greek terms, such as ‘pathos’ and ‘logos’. The beauty of today’s word is that, no matter how you pronounce it when giving praise, people will surely understand your meaning.
Etymology: Greek kyddos, "glory, fame, renown".
-Tim
