plaudit
C2Formal
Definition
Meaning
An expression of praise or approval, typically given publicly.
Enthusiastic applause or commendation, often plural (plaudits), signifying a collective or public tribute to achievement.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in its plural form 'plaudits'. Singular 'plaudit' is rare and often found in fixed expressions or literary contexts. Implies a formal, often public, expression of approval.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties strongly prefer the plural form 'plaudits'.
Connotations
Formal, sometimes slightly pompous or journalistic. Suggests earned acclaim.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both dialects, more common in written journalism and formal speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [PERFORMER/ACHIEVER] received plaudits for [ACHIEVEMENT]The [WORK/PRODUCT] earned/deserved plaudits from [SOURCE][SOURCE] heaped/accorded plaudits on [RECIPIENT]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “plaudits are due to”
- “to receive plaudits”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The CEO's innovative strategy won plaudits from industry analysts."
Academic
"Her groundbreaking thesis earned plaudits from the academic community."
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. "The new park has received plaudits from local residents."
Technical
Not typical in technical contexts; more for reviews, critiques, and public recognition.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- NO STANDARD VERB FORM
American English
- NO STANDARD VERB FORM
adverb
British English
- NO STANDARD ADVERB FORM
American English
- NO STANDARD ADVERB FORM
adjective
British English
- plauditory (extremely rare, archaic)
- plauditive (non-standard)
American English
- plauditory (extremely rare, archaic)
- plauditive (non-standard)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The film got a lot of plaudits from the critics.
- His hard work earned him plaudits.
- The rescue team deserves the highest plaudits for their bravery.
- Her performance won plaudits for its emotional depth.
- The architect's controversial design has attracted plaudits and criticism in equal measure.
- While he received plaudits for his economic reforms, his social policies were widely condemned.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PLAUDIT sounds like APPLAUD-IT. You give a 'plaudit' when you 'applaud it'.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCLAIM IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT THAT CAN BE GIVEN, RECEIVED, EARNED, OR WON.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'плакать' (to cry).
- Closer to 'похвала', 'одобрение', 'аплодисменты' (formal, plural).
- Avoid direct translation of singular 'plaudit' as a countable singular noun; use plural forms in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'plaudit' as a verb (e.g., 'They plaudited him' - INCORRECT).
- Using the singular form when the plural is idiomatic (e.g., 'He got a plaudit' sounds unnatural).
- Misspelling as 'plaudet', 'plaudite'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most natural and common usage of 'plaudit'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is almost exclusively used in the plural form 'plaudits'. The singular form is grammatically correct but highly uncommon and stylistically marked.
No. There is no standard verb form 'to plaudit'. Use verbs like 'applaud', 'praise', or 'acclaim' instead.
'Applause' specifically refers to the clapping of hands, a physical act. 'Plaudits' is more abstract, referring to expressions of praise or approval, which can be verbal, written, or metaphorical, not just clapping.
Yes, 'kudos' is a close synonym. However, 'kudos' is a singular, uncountable noun (e.g., 'She received a lot of kudos'), while 'plaudits' is a plural countable noun (e.g., 'She received many plaudits').
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