Applause

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /əˈplɔːz/

Definitions

1. The sound of people clapping their hands together repeatedly to show approval, appreciation, or praise for a performance or achievement
2. An expressive reaction involving the rhythmic clapping of hands that commonly serves to communicate enjoyment or approval for an event or accomplishment
3. The action of repeatedly striking the palms together in recognition or approval, often in response to a performance or significant achievement

Etymology: The Latin root of "applause" is a physical act. "Applaudō" meant "to strike against," and in Latin the verb could describe striking the hands together as well as striking something else, so the sense of clapping was present from the start. The noun "applausus" was the act of that striking, and English borrowed it directly from Latin. The verb "applaud" came from the same Latin source and is the more familiar relative. The word thus began as a description of a gesture, not of an emotion. The meaning of approval came later, as the sound of hands striking together became the conventional way to show that a performance or speech had pleased an audience. English kept the physical act at the centre of the word, so "applause" still names the clapping itself rather than the feeling behind it.

Synonyms: clapping, cheering, commendation, acclaim

Antonyms: booing, disapproval, criticism