applaud
3 synonyms and 1 antonym for applaud, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To clap your hands to show approval or enjoyment.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use applaud
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
applaud loudly
applaud the decision
applaud someone's efforts
Etymology
From Latin applaudere, "to clap the hands together," from ad- ("to") + plaudere ("to clap, strike").
Full origin of applaud →Frequently asked questions
What does “applaud” mean?
The word “applaud” means to clap your hands to show approval or enjoyment. In plain terms, to clap for someone, or more broadly, to openly praise them.
How do you pronounce “applaud”?
“Applaud” is pronounced uh-PLAWD (/əˈplɔd/ in IPA).
How do you use “applaud” in a sentence?
Here is “applaud” used in a sentence: “The crowd applauded as the band walked on stage.”
What part of speech is “applaud”?
“Applaud” is a verb.
Where does the word “applaud” come from?
The word “applaud” comes from Latin. From Latin applaudere, "to clap the hands together," from ad- ("to") + plaudere ("to clap, strike").
Is “applaud” a common word?
“Applaud” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “applaud” have?
“Applaud” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to clap your hands to show approval or enjoyment.
