C1 adjective Neutral

acclaim

/əˈkleɪmd/

Describes someone or something that has received strong public praise, enthusiastic approval, or critical recognition. It is most commonly used to qualify artists, their works, or professionals who have achieved high status through widespread appreciation.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She is an acclaimed chef who owns several Michelin-starred restaurants.

She is an acclaimed chef who owns several Michelin-starred restaurants.

2

The symposium featured a keynote speech by the acclaimed historian.

The symposium featured a keynote speech by the acclaimed historian.

3

Have you seen that acclaimed new show everyone is posting about?

Have you seen that acclaimed new show everyone is posting about?

Word Family

Noun
acclaim
Verb
acclaim
Adjective
acclaimed
Related
acclamation
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'clapping'. When someone is 'acclaimed', the public is 'clapping' for their 'claim' to fame.

Quick Quiz

The ______ novelist will be giving a lecture at the university this evening.

Correct!

The correct answer is: acclaimed

Examples

1

She is an acclaimed chef who owns several Michelin-starred restaurants.

everyday

She is an acclaimed chef who owns several Michelin-starred restaurants.

2

The symposium featured a keynote speech by the acclaimed historian.

formal

The symposium featured a keynote speech by the acclaimed historian.

3

Have you seen that acclaimed new show everyone is posting about?

informal

Have you seen that acclaimed new show everyone is posting about?

4

The theory was first proposed in his acclaimed 1998 treatise on thermodynamics.

academic

The theory was first proposed in his acclaimed 1998 treatise on thermodynamics.

5

We are seeking a partnership with an acclaimed design firm to overhaul our brand identity.

business

We are seeking a partnership with an acclaimed design firm to overhaul our brand identity.

Word Family

Noun
acclaim
Verb
acclaim
Adjective
acclaimed
Related
acclamation

Common Collocations

critically acclaimed praised by professional reviewers
highly acclaimed very strongly praised
internationally acclaimed recognized and praised worldwide
widely acclaimed praised by many people
much-acclaimed frequently praised

Common Phrases

to critical acclaim

receiving praise from professional critics

to universal acclaim

receiving praise from everyone

win acclaim

to earn praise and recognition

Often Confused With

acclaim vs claimed

Claimed means asserted or stated as a fact, while acclaimed means publicly praised.

acclaim vs exclaimed

Exclaimed refers to shouting or crying out suddenly, whereas acclaimed refers to receiving honor.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'acclaimed' as an adjective to describe people or things that have already established a high reputation. It is stronger than 'popular' because it implies a level of quality recognized by experts or the public at large.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use the noun 'acclaim' where the adjective 'acclaimed' is required, such as saying 'an acclaim movie' instead of 'an acclaimed movie'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'clapping'. When someone is 'acclaimed', the public is 'clapping' for their 'claim' to fame.

📖

Word Origin

From the Latin 'acclamare', which means 'to shout at' or 'to cry out in favor of'.

Grammar Patterns

usually used attributively (before a noun) often modified by adverbs like 'critically' or 'widely' non-gradable in most contexts (one is usually either acclaimed or not)
🌍

Cultural Context

The term is ubiquitous in entertainment marketing, particularly during the 'awards season' in the US and UK (the Oscars, BAFTAs).

Quick Quiz

The ______ novelist will be giving a lecture at the university this evening.

Correct!

The correct answer is: acclaimed

Related Words

proceed

C1

The noun form, typically used in the plural 'proceeds,' refers to the total amount of money received from a particular event, sale, or activity. It is a formal term used in academic, legal, and business contexts to describe the result of a financial transaction or fundraising effort.

individual

C1

Relating to a single person or thing as distinct from a group. It describes something that is intended for, or used by, one person rather than a collective entity.

appropriately

B2

To perform an action in a manner that is suitable, right, or proper for a particular situation, person, or occasion. It implies following specific social norms, professional standards, or logical requirements.

region

B2

A region is an area of land that has common features, such as geography, climate, or culture, which distinguish it from other areas. It can refer to a large part of a country or the world and is often used in administrative or scientific contexts to organize space.

resource

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. In academic and informational contexts, it refers to a source of information or expertise used to support research or learning.

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

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