applause
B2Neutral. Common in formal, informal, and journalistic contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The act of clapping hands to show approval, appreciation, or enjoyment, typically after a performance or speech.
Can figuratively refer to any strong expression of approval, support, or acclaim from a group, not necessarily involving physical clapping.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a mass noun (e.g., 'loud applause'). A round/burst of applause refers to a specific instance. Can metaphorically describe general approval (e.g., 'The plan met with applause from investors').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. 'A round of applause' is common in both. In UK contexts, 'a clap' might be used more informally for a single instance (e.g., 'Give them a clap').
Connotations
Neutral to positive. Can sometimes imply superficial or obligatory approval (e.g., 'polite applause').
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [performance] received applause.Applause broke out [from the crowd].Applause for [the speaker] was long-lasting.There was applause [after the announcement].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A round of applause (for...)”
- “To bring the house down (with applause)”
- “To meet with/appear to applause”
- “Applause line (in a speech)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'The CEO's new strategy was met with cautious applause from the board.'
Academic
'The controversial thesis received muted applause from her peers at the conference.'
Everyday
'Let's have a big round of applause for the birthday girl!'
Technical
In sound engineering, 'applause' is a complex, non-stationary noise source to be managed.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The applause from the Wimbledon crowd was tremendous.
- She took a bow amidst the rapturous applause.
American English
- The applause after the Broadway show lasted ten minutes.
- His speech got the biggest applause of the night.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children clapped. The applause was very loud.
- Please give applause to the singer.
- There was loud applause when the team scored the winning goal.
- The speaker waited for the applause to die down before continuing.
- The proposal was greeted with cautious applause from industry experts.
- His final remark earned him a sustained round of applause.
- The critic noted that the play's safe ending elicited only perfunctory applause from a jaded audience.
- The policy announcement was met with thunderous applause in the hall, but skepticism in the press.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of APPLAUSE as the APPLAUSE you give for an APPLE that performed well on stage. It's the sound of approval (APPLAUSE) for a job well done.
Conceptual Metaphor
APPROVAL IS A SOUND (e.g., 'deafening silence of disapproval' vs. 'roar of applause'). SUPPORT IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (e.g., 'a wave of applause swept the hall').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'аплодисменты' (correct). Avoid literal back-translation like 'рукоплескание'. Remember it's an uncountable noun in English.
Common Mistakes
- Using as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'an applause' - use 'a round of applause'). Confusing spelling with 'apples'. Using wrong preposition (applause FOR someone, not TO someone).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is NOT typically used with 'applause'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily an uncountable (mass) noun. You say 'there was applause'. For a countable instance, use 'a round of applause' or 'a burst of applause'.
'Applause' is the general act of clapping. An 'ovation' is a more sustained, enthusiastic form of applause, often involving people standing (a standing ovation).
Yes, figuratively. For example, 'The new policy won the applause of environmental groups' means it received their strong approval, not literal clapping.
To 'applaud'. The people who applaud are the 'applauding audience' or simply 'the audience applauds'.