Definition

Noun: A standing ovation is a form of enthusiastic, sustained applause during which the audience stands up from their seats as a sign of great admiration, respect, or approval for a performance or speaker.

Usage

A "standing ovation" is typically given at the conclusion of a particularly impressive or moving performance in a theater, concert hall, or other public venue. It is a spontaneous, collective gesture from the audience.

Examples

• The actor was moved to tears when he received a standing ovation on the opening night of the play.
• Her powerful speech earned her a standing ovation from the entire conference hall.
• After the final note of the symphony, the conductor turned to face a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes.

Advanced Usage

• To give/get/receive a standing ovation: These are the most common collocations.
  • The audience gave the retiring professor a standing ovation.
  • The soloist got a standing ovation for her breathtaking performance.
• To be greeted with/met with a standing ovation: Used to describe the immediate reaction upon someone's entrance or the conclusion of an event.
  • The humanitarian worker was met with a standing ovation as she took the stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Ovation (noun): A sustained and enthusiastic show of approval from an audience, especially by clapping. A "standing ovation" is the most intense form of an ovation.
• Applause (noun): The clapping of hands to show approval or enjoyment.
• Acclaim (noun): Enthusiastic and public praise.

Synonyms

• Rousing applause
• Thunderous applause
• Enthusiastic acclaim

Antonyms

• Silence
• Booing
• Tepid applause

Idioms and Phrases

• To bring the house down: To give an extremely successful performance that causes wild applause, often leading to a standing ovation.
  • Her final act brought the house down and resulted in a ten-minute standing ovation.

Noun

1. enthusiastic recognition (especially one accompanied by loud applause)