Plauding

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To demonstrate approval or admiration by producing applause or cheers through clapping or vocal sounds
2. To actively show appreciation or recognition of someone's achievements using claps or verbal expressions of praise
3. Showing approval or praise by clapping hands or making cheering noises

Etymology: "Plauding" is the present participle of "plaud," a verb that English took directly from Latin "plaudere," meaning "to clap" or "to applaud." The Latin word is the source of "applaud" as well, so the two are close relatives: "plaud" is the shorter, more literary form, and "applaud" is the everyday version that has largely crowded it out. The Latin root traces back to an act of physical noise. Clapping the hands was the central gesture of Roman approval, and the verb carried that sound and motion into praise. English kept the image intact: to plaud someone is to strike the palms together in their honour, whether or not any words are spoken.

Synonyms: applauding, cheering, praising