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applause

n.
US //əˈpɫɔz// UK //ɐplˈɔːz// ap·plause
  1. 1 clapping for praise (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the sound of people clapping their hands to show they enjoyed something.

    the act of expressing approval or commendation, usually through the collective clapping of hands by an audience.

    Example

    The audience broke into loud applause after the pianist finished the final song.

    Example

    The speaker's closing remarks were met with a thunderous round of applause that lasted for several minutes.

    Usage

    This noun is uncountable and does not take a plural form; use 'a round of applause' to count instances.

    Teacher's tip

    Learners often try to say 'applause' as a plural noun; remind them to use 'a round of' or 'much' instead of 'many'.

Origin

From Latin applausus, from applaudō (“I strike against, I applaud”) (whence applaud).

Idioms1 entry

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