applause
To express strong approval or praise for a person, idea, or action, either through the physical act of clapping or by formal commendation. At a C2 level, it frequently denotes a public or official endorsement of policies, decisions, or intellectual contributions.
Examples
3 of 5The audience began to applaud rhythmically as the prima ballerina took her final bow.
The crowd started clapping in a steady beat when the lead dancer finished her performance.
International human rights organizations applaud the government's decision to grant asylum to the refugees.
Global groups are praising the state's choice to provide safety to those fleeing their homes.
I really applaud the way you stood up to the boss during that meeting; it was very brave.
I admire how you confronted the manager earlier; you showed great courage.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Laud' (which means praise) hidden inside 'appLAUD'. When you applaud, you are lauding someone.
Quick Quiz
Environmentalists were quick to ___ the new legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste.
Correct!
The correct answer is: applaud
Examples
The audience began to applaud rhythmically as the prima ballerina took her final bow.
everydayThe crowd started clapping in a steady beat when the lead dancer finished her performance.
International human rights organizations applaud the government's decision to grant asylum to the refugees.
formalGlobal groups are praising the state's choice to provide safety to those fleeing their homes.
I really applaud the way you stood up to the boss during that meeting; it was very brave.
informalI admire how you confronted the manager earlier; you showed great courage.
While many scholars applaud the study's ambitious scope, some criticize its reliance on anecdotal evidence.
academicMany academics praise the broad reach of the research, though some find fault with its data sources.
Investors are likely to applaud the company's move toward greater fiscal transparency and accountability.
businessShareholders will probably support the business's shift toward more open and responsible financial reporting.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
applaud someone to the echo
to applaud someone extremely loudly and for a long time
deserve to be applauded
to be worthy of praise or recognition
a round of applause
a period of clapping by a group of people
Often Confused With
Acclaim often implies broad, long-term public recognition, whereas applaud can refer to a specific, momentary act of praise.
Usage Notes
Use 'applaud' when you want to emphasize the act of giving praise. It is more formal than 'clap' and can be used figuratively for non-physical support.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the noun 'applause' as a verb. Incorrect: 'They applaused his speech.' Correct: 'They applauded his speech.'
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Laud' (which means praise) hidden inside 'appLAUD'. When you applaud, you are lauding someone.
Word Origin
From the Latin 'applaudere', meaning 'to strike or clap the hands against'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In most Western cultures, applauding is the standard physical gesture for showing appreciation at the end of a performance or speech.
Quick Quiz
Environmentalists were quick to ___ the new legislation aimed at reducing plastic waste.
Correct!
The correct answer is: applaud
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