Applaud
To clap one's hands in praise, approval, or admiration; to express praise publicly.
verbApplaud
To clap one's hands in praise, approval, or admiration; to express praise publicly.
verbImagine This
Imagine a stage lights up as a performer finishes a flawless routine; the crowd rises, mimes clapping in rhythm, and a voice booms, 'Applaud the champion!' as the applause grows louder.
Sounds Like
uh-PLOHD
Looks Like
Looks like applause; visually related to the noun 'applause'.
Remember This
Applaud is the verb form; the noun is applause. It comes from Latin applaudere, meaning to clap or praise.
Other Forms
Connect With
applause, praise, commend, acclaim, cheer, laud
Note
Applaud is transitive: you applaud a person, performance, idea, or proposal. Do not confuse with 'applause,' which is the noun referring to the act of clapping. Formal writing might favor 'applauded' (past) or 'applauding' (present participle) depending on tense.
Study Deeper
- The audience applauded the speaker after her stirring address.
- The board applauded the proposal when it was finally approved.
From Latin applaudere 'to clap, to praise' (ad- 'toward' + plaudere 'to clap'), later reinforced through French applaudir.
Mnemonic: APP + LAUD — imagine an app (APP) that causes people to laud (praise) the performer, prompting the crowd to clap in applause.
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Receptive
adjectiveWilling to consider or receive new ideas, signals, or feedback; open to information and influence.
Potentate
nounA ruler, especially an autocratic or absolute monarch; someone with supreme power.
Latent
adjectiveExisting but not yet active; having potential to develop or become visible or actual.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Laud
verbTo praise highly; to extol or exalt.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.