Words / B2

uh-PLORD/əˈplɔːd/

To applaud is to clap in approval, or to praise an action or idea: applaud the motion; applaud a decision. Clap is the everyday twin; praise is the non-clapping sense. Delegates applauded the motion; still record the vote. Mix-up: applaud vs apples; explode. Do not treat applause as a majority unless the division is in the source.

Meaning

To clap in approval, or to praise an action or idea.

Examples

• “Delegates applauded the motion; still record the vote, the minutes said.”
• “Critics applauded the reform, which is the praise-without-clapping sense.”

Good to know

applaud + person / decision / motion; applauded. Everyday: clap. Noun: applause. Trap: treating clapping as a count of votes. Citizenship, media, and news. Clap in approval, or praise an action — specify.

Near in meaning

clap, cheer, praise

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