applaud

Meanings

1. 1verbintransitive

   To clap your hands to show that you enjoyed or approved of a performance or speech.

   Grammar: Used without an object: The audience applauded loudly. You can also say applaud someone, but that is less common.

   Patterns

   • applaud loudly
   • applaud politely
   • applaud for someone

   The audience stood up and applauded for five minutes.

   After the play ended, everyone applauded enthusiastically.

   She applauded politely, even though she hadn't enjoyed the speech.

2. 2verbtransitiveformal

   To express strong approval of a decision, action, or idea.

   Grammar: Takes an object: applaud the decision. Often used in formal or written contexts.

   Patterns

   • applaud someone for something
   • applaud a decision
   • applaud an effort

   We applaud the government's efforts to reduce pollution.

   The teacher applauded her students for their hard work.

   Many critics applauded the film's bold storytelling.

Word forms

Common combinations

applaud loudly

The crowd applauded loudly when the singer appeared.

applaud someone for something

We applaud her for speaking out against injustice.

applaud a decision

The board applauded the decision to expand the program.

applaud an effort

We should applaud any effort to improve the situation.

Synonyms and how they differ

clap

Focuses on the physical action of hitting your hands together; applaud is more formal and can also mean 'praise'.

cheer

Means to shout in support, not just clap; applaud usually involves clapping.

praise

Means to express approval in words; applaud can be physical or verbal.

Opposites

Word family

applause noun

The sound of many people clapping.

applauding adjective

Showing approval by clapping.

Commonly confused: applaud or applause?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “applaud”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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