Acclamatory

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by expressions of enthusiastic approval or praise; relating to the act of cheering or signaling support in an uplifting manner; serving to convey strong positive reactions towards someone or something through applause or acclaim
2. Pertaining to gestures or sounds that indicate commendation or applause; specifically tied to the act of expressing approval in a highly celebratory way; focusing on the communication of admiration and respect through vocal or physical affirmations
3. Describing actions or remarks that celebrate achievements through loud approval or cheers; involving the giving of recognition and approval in a festive or public manner; aimed at creating an atmosphere of supportive enthusiasm towards someone or something

Etymology: "Acclamatory" is a plain formation: the adjective "acclaim" with the suffix "-atory" attached, meaning "of or relating to" acclaim. The verb "acclaim" itself comes from Latin "acclamare", "to shout at" or "to shout out", built from "ad-" ("to") and "clamare" ("to cry out"), so the older sense was literally a loud shout directed at someone. The suffix has its own route into English. The Latin "-atorius" was taken into Middle English through Old French as "-atory", and English uses it to form adjectives from verbs, as in "declamatory" or "inflammatory". Joining it to "acclaim" gives a word meaning roughly "characterized by shouted approval," which is why the word fits crowds cheering a speech or a victory.

Synonyms: applauding, cheering, commendatory

Antonyms: critical