Applause
/əˈplɔːz/
nounB1
Definition
Applause is the noise people make by hitting their hands together to show they enjoyed or agreed with something. It is often used after a performance, a speech, or when someone has done something well. Applause is a way to express approval or thanks without words.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
The sound of people clapping to show approval or enjoyment
- •The audience gave loud applause after the singer finished the song.
- •She received applause for her excellent speech.
- •The applause lasted for several minutes at the end of the play.
The act of clapping hands to express thanks or praise
- •Please join me in applause for our guest speaker.
- •The applause was a sign of respect and gratitude.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "applause" like "clap" (A1 word), but applause is many claps from many people together, making a louder and longer sound.
- ✓Picture a group of people at a theater or concert, all clapping their hands quickly and loudly.
- ✓It's the feeling of happiness and support you get when others show they liked what you did.
- ✓Sounds like "a-PLAWZ" → imagine the sound of many hands hitting together, like a soft thunder.
- ✓Think of a stage where actors bow after applause, showing respect and thanks.
- ✓NOT like "cheer" (which is shouting), applause is only the sound of clapping hands.
- ✓NOT like "silence" (no sound), applause is a loud, happy noise from the audience.
- ✓NOT like "boo" (showing dislike), applause means people like or appreciate something.
Try Other Words
- •Cheering: loud shouting to show excitement or support (Use when people shout words or sounds, not just clap)
- •Ovation: very strong and long applause (Use when applause is especially loud and long)
- •Acclaim: public praise or approval (Use in formal writing when praising someone’s work or achievement)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ap-" (a form of "ad-" meaning "to" or "toward") + "plause" (from Latin "plaudere" meaning to clap)
- •Etymology: From Latin "applaudere," meaning to clap hands, through Old French "applaus"
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 1500s to describe clapping to show approval
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe the sound or act of clapping in theaters, meetings, and celebrations
Reflect & Connect
•How do different cultures show applause, and why might the way people clap change?
•Can applause sometimes have a different meaning, like being polite rather than truly happy? When might this happen?
Fill in the blanks
1.The audience gave ___ after the actor's excellent performance to show their ___.
2.When someone finishes a speech, it is common to hear ___ as a sign of ___.
3.Unlike cheering, ___ is only the sound of hands ___ together.
4.A long and loud ___ is called an ___, showing very strong approval.
5.People usually start ___ when they feel happy, impressed, or ___.
6.After the concert, the applause ___ for several minutes before the lights went down.
7.Sometimes, applause can be polite but not ___, showing respect more than real excitement.