Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to, celebrating, or commemorating a triumph or victory: Describes something that is connected with or marks a great success or achievement.
   • Expressing or feeling of triumph; exultant: Characterized by or showing the joy and pride of victory.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective (relating to a triumph):
  • The ancient Romans built a triumphal arch to commemorate the emperor's military victory.
  • The general led a triumphal procession through the capital city.
• As an adjective (expressing triumph):
  • The team's triumphal return was met with cheering fans at the airport.
  • She gave a triumphal shout upon hearing the final results.

Advanced Usage

• "Triumphal" vs. "Triumphant": While closely related, "triumphal" more often describes things (like arches, processions, monuments) that are associated with a triumph. "Triumphant" more commonly describes the feeling or expression of triumph in people or their actions (e.g., a triumphant smile, a triumphant team).
  • The triumphal column stands in the city center. (The column is a monument to victory.)
  • The triumphant athlete raised the trophy. (The athlete felt and showed victory.)

Variants and Related Words

• Triumph (noun/verb): A great victory or achievement; to achieve a victory or success.
  • Winning the championship was their greatest triumph.
• Triumphant (adjective): Having achieved a great victory; feeling or expressing jubilation after a victory.
  • The triumphant general addressed his troops.
• Triumphantly (adverb): In a triumphant manner.
  • She smiled triumphantly.

Synonyms

• Victorious: Having won a victory.
• Exultant: Triumphantly happy.
• Jubilant: Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.

Antonyms

• Defeated: Having been beaten in a battle or contest.
• Humiliated: Made to feel ashamed and foolish.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Triumphal arch: A monumental structure in the shape of an archway, built to celebrate a military victory or a significant event.
  • They walked under the triumphal arch.
• Triumphal entry: A celebratory arrival, often of a victorious person or group.
  • The hero made a triumphal entry into his hometown.

Adjective

1. joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
   • rejoicing crowds filled the streets on VJ Day
   • a triumphal success
   • a triumphant shout
2. relating to or celebrating a triumph
   • a triumphal procession
   • a triumphal arch