acclaim
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
To praise enthusiastically and publicly.
To welcome or approve of someone or something with loud approval or praise; also, public praise or recognition itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies official or widespread approval. As a noun, it denotes the praise itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are identical. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/literary in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; perhaps slightly more common in journalistic/academic contexts in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
acclaim sb/sth as sthbe acclaimed as sthacclaim sb/sth for sthacclaim sb/sth (verb)acclaim (noun) for sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to acclaim to the skies (rare, literary)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The new CEO was acclaimed for turning the company's finances around.
Academic
Her theory was acclaimed as a major breakthrough in the field.
Everyday
The local band didn't expect such acclaim for their first album.
Technical
The software update was acclaimed by users for its improved security features.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Critics universally acclaimed the director's latest film.
- The crowd acclaimed the returning champion.
American English
- The new policy was widely acclaimed by experts.
- They acclaimed her performance as the best of the season.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She is a highly acclaimed author.
- The restaurant is critically acclaimed.
American English
- He is an acclaimed journalist.
- It was an acclaimed Broadway production.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The film received a lot of acclaim.
- People acclaimed the team's victory.
- Her novel won international acclaim for its unique style.
- The scientists were acclaimed for their important discovery.
- Despite the universal critical acclaim, the play had a relatively short run.
- He was rightly acclaimed as a visionary leader who transformed the industry.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CLAIM to fame = ACCLAIM. When you receive acclaim, people are making a claim about your excellence.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCLAIM IS A REWARD/GIFT (e.g., 'He received great acclaim for his work.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation from Russian 'акламировать' (to acclimate) which is a false friend. 'Acclaim' is not related to acclimatisation.
- Do not confuse with 'applaud' (аплодировать) which is the physical act of clapping; 'acclaim' is the broader expression of approval.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'He got an acclaim' – should be 'He got acclaim' or 'He received acclaim').
- Confusing 'acclaimed' (adjective) with 'claiming' (verb).
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'acclaim' in the sentence: 'The young pianist met with great acclaim after her debut'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally used in more formal, literary, or journalistic contexts rather than casual conversation.
Yes. As a verb: 'They acclaimed the winner.' As a noun (usually uncountable): 'The book met with critical acclaim.'
'Acclaim' often suggests louder, more public, and sometimes more official praise. 'Praise' is more general and can be private or public.
The pronunciation is essentially identical in both varieties: /əˈkleɪm/.
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