Word
applause
Phoneticsap·plause, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈpɫɔz/
UK/ɐplˈɔːz/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the sound of people clapping their hands to show they enjoyed something.
n. the act of expressing approval or commendation, usually through the collective clapping of hands by an audience.
Examples
“The audience broke into loud applause after the song.”
“The speaker waited for the applause to die down before continuing with the next slide of the presentation.”
“Despite the technical glitches during the first act, the cast received a standing ovation and thunderous applause during the final curtain call.”
Examples
simple
“The audience broke into loud applause after the song.”
contextual
“The speaker waited for the applause to die down before continuing with the next slide of the presentation.”
complex
“Despite the technical glitches during the first act, the cast received a standing ovation and thunderous applause during the final curtain call.”
Usage
This noun is uncountable and does not take a plural form; use 'a round of applause' to count instances.
Teaching tip
Learners often try to say 'applause' as a plural noun; remind them to use 'a round of' or 'much' instead of 'many'.
Etymology
From Latin applausus, from applaudō (“I strike against, I applaud”) (whence applaud).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related words
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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