English Reference

Word

applaud

Phoneticsap·plaud

US/əˈpɫɔd/

UK/ɐplˈɔːd/

Definition

v. to say that you think an idea, decision, or person is very good.

v. to express strong formal approval or praise for a person, policy, or action.

Examples

“The audience began to applaud as the music ended.”

“Many local leaders applaud the government's decision to build a new park in the city center.”

“While the critics were quick to applaud the director's bold visual style, they remained skeptical of the film's confusing and disjointed narrative.”

Examples

simple

“The audience began to applaud as the music ended.”

contextual

“Many local leaders applaud the government's decision to build a new park in the city center.”

complex

“While the critics were quick to applaud the director's bold visual style, they remained skeptical of the film's confusing and disjointed narrative.”

Real-World Examples

“Hidemasa Morita applauds the Sporting fans during the Portuguese Cup final in May, his last appearance for the Lisbon club.”
The Guardian · 16 Aug 2026
“When he was sent out for his first warm-up during the game, he applauded the positive reception he got from United supporters in the corner he was running towards.”
BBC News · 15 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Middle English applauden, from Latin applaudere (“to clap the hands together, applaud”), from ad (“to”) + plaudere (“to strike, clap”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related words

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated
Register
Formal

Scan code

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English Reference