Definition

1. Noun:
   • A demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together: The act of clapping one's hands to show enjoyment, praise, or approval, typically for a performance or speaker.
   • Warm approval or praise: Can also refer more broadly to enthusiastic approval or commendation for an action or achievement.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The actor bowed deeply in response to the thunderous applause from the audience.
  • Her insightful speech was met with enthusiastic applause.
  • The new policy won the applause of environmental groups.

Advanced Usage

• "A round of applause": A period of clapping, often requested or initiated for someone.
  • Let's have a round of applause for our volunteers!
• "To bring the house down" (idiom, often resulting in applause): To receive extremely enthusiastic applause or approval.
  • Her final song brought the house down.
• "To deserve/applaud applause": To be worthy of praise.
  • His courage in that situation deserves applause.

Variants and Related Words

• Applaud (verb): To show approval or praise by clapping.
  • The crowd applauded for several minutes.
• Applausive (adjective, rare): Expressing applause; approving.
  • The review was highly applausive.

Synonyms

• Acclamation: Loud and enthusiastic approval, often by shouting.
• Ovation: Sustained and enthusiastic applause.
• Plaudits: Enthusiastic approval, often expressed publicly.

Related Phrases

• "To draw/get applause": To receive clapping and praise.
  • The comedian's joke drew loud applause from the crowd.
• "To greet with applause": To welcome someone or something with clapping.
  • The returning champion was greeted with rapturous applause.

Related Idioms

• "A smattering of applause": A small, scattered amount of clapping, suggesting lukewarm or polite approval.
  • His controversial proposal received only a smattering of applause.
• "To be met with silence/applause": To be received with either no reaction or a positive reaction.
  • The bold statement was met with stunned silence, followed by hesitant applause.

Noun

1. a demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together