ovation
C1Formal, used in journalism, reviews, and public commentary.
Definition
Meaning
A sustained, enthusiastic show of public appreciation, especially by clapping, given to someone as a mark of approval or admiration.
Can refer more broadly to a great success, triumph, or enthusiastic reception of something (e.g., a new product). Historically, in ancient Rome, it was a lesser form of a formal triumph.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An 'ovation' is typically longer and more enthusiastic than simple 'applause'. It often implies a standing position (standing ovation). It is a countable noun (received an ovation / several ovations).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The phrase 'standing ovation' is equally common in both varieties. Usage frequency and context are virtually identical.
Connotations
In both, it connotes a formal, public, and significant moment of acclaim. Slightly more formal than 'a big round of applause'.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly more common in formal American media (e.g., political reporting, award shows).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The performance received/got/earned/deserved/was given an ovation.The audience gave the speaker an ovation.Her speech brought the house down, resulting in a standing ovation.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bring the house down (and receive an ovation)”
- “A standing ovation”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO's bold new strategy was met with a standing ovation from the shareholders.
Academic
The visiting professor's lecture on quantum decoherence concluded with a sustained ovation.
Everyday
The school play was wonderful; the kids got a huge ovation at the end.
Technical
(Rare) In historical analysis, the general was awarded an ovation, not a full triumph, for his campaign.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Ovate' is not a standard verb derived from 'ovation'. Use 'applaud', 'acclaim'.
- The crowd ovated (very rare/non-standard).
American English
- 'Ovate' is not a standard verb derived from 'ovation'. Use 'applaud', 'acclaim'.
- The fans ovated the player (very rare/non-standard).
adverb
British English
- Ovationally (non-existent).
- She was received ovationally (non-standard).
American English
- Ovationally (non-existent).
- He was cheered ovationally (non-standard).
adjective
British English
- Ovationary (extremely rare/obsolete).
- The ovational (non-standard) moment.
American English
- Ovationary (extremely rare/obsolete).
- An ovational (non-standard) performance.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children clapped. It was a nice ovation.
- The singer was happy after the ovation.
- At the end of the concert, the audience gave the band a long ovation.
- Her speech received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of OVATION as 'Oh! VAST appreciation!' - the 'Oh!' of surprise at the vast amount of clapping and cheering.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUBLIC APPROVAL IS A SUSTAINED SOUND WAVE (received a wave of applause). SUCCESS IS A CROWD RISING TO ITS FEET.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не является прямым эквивалентом слова 'овация' (которое в русском часто иронично или относится к цветам). В английском 'ovation' — это всегда аплодисменты, а не букет цветов. Прямой перевод 'дать овацию' звучит неестественно; используйте 'give/receive an ovation'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'much ovation' - incorrect; use 'a lot of applause'). Confusing it with 'ovation' meaning a bouquet of flowers (a false friend from some Slavic languages). Using 'ovations' for a single, short burst of clapping.
Practice
Quiz
In which of these scenarios is the use of 'ovation' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. An 'ovation' is enthusiastic, sustained applause. A 'standing ovation' is a stronger form where the audience stands up while applauding, indicating the highest level of approval or respect.
It is possible but less common and can sound exaggerated. 'Ovation' typically implies a public, formal, or sizable audience. For a family clapping at home, 'a round of applause' is more natural.
In Ancient Rome, an 'ovatio' was a ceremonial procession honouring a victorious military commander, but it was a lesser honour than a full 'triumph'. The commander entered the city on foot or horseback, not in a chariot.
No, 'ovate' is not a standard English verb derived from 'ovation'. The verb 'to applaud' or phrases like 'to give an ovation to' should be used instead. Using 'ovate' in this sense is non-standard and likely to be marked as an error.
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