What is applaud? Pronunciation and usage in English

applaud means . Learn how to pronounce and use applaud through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of applaud

applaudverb

/əˈplɔːd/
Definition & pronunciation of applaud

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "applaud" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio cues if you want to hear it:

Pronunciation:

  • ap-CLAWD

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. ap: Pronounced like the word "app" as in "apple". (Short "a" sound)
  2. CLAW: This is the trickiest part! It sounds like "claw" as in a bird's claw. The emphasis is on this syllable. It’s a bit of a guttural sound – you make a slight constriction in the throat as you say it.
  3. d: Pronounced as a regular "d" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • The "aw" sound: Really focus on that "aw" sound in "claw." Think of the sound in "caught" or "law."
  • Throat constriction: Make a very slight, almost imperceptible, contraction in your throat when you say “claw.” It’s not a forceful sound, just a subtle tightness.
  • Stress: There's emphasis on the second syllable – "CLAW".

Resources for Hearing it:

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  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "applaud"?

Usage and examples with the word applaud in English

Let's break down how to use the word "applaud" effectively in English. It's a versatile word, but it has a specific meaning and usage.

1. Core Meaning: To Express Approval with Clapping

At its most basic, "applaud" means to show approval or praise by clapping your hands. This is its literal, primary meaning.

  • Example: "The audience applauded enthusiastically after the performance."
  • Example: "She applauded his bravery in the face of danger." (Figuratively - expressing admiration)

2. As a Verb (Action)

This is the most common usage. It describes the act of clapping.

  • Formal: “The judges applauded his innovative design.” (Expressing approval of a professional achievement)
  • Informal: "I applauded her efforts to clean up the park." (Expressing approval of a helpful action)
  • Figurative: "We applaud his dedication to the cause." (Expressing admiration or approval of a quality or commitment).

3. As a Verb (To Praise - More Figurative)

"Applaud" can also mean to praise or commend someone, often in a more emphatic or enthusiastic way than simply saying "I approve." It suggests a stronger feeling of admiration.

  • Example: “The committee applauded his leadership skills.” (They strongly praised them.)
  • Example: "I applaud your honesty and integrity." (I highly admire those qualities.)

4. As a Verb (To Agree with / Support)

Less common, but you can use it to mean to agree with something or support it.

  • Example: "The council applauded the government's new policy." (They approved of the policy.)

Key Nuances & Considerations:

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Applaud" is generally considered a more formal word than simply "like" or "admire."
  • Emphasis: It carries more weight than just saying "I approve." It suggests a noticeable display of approval.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could use words like: commend, praise, celebrate, acclaim, honor, congratulate.

Here's a table to summarize:

Usage Meaning Example
Literal (Clapping) To express approval by clapping hands "The crowd applauded the winning team."
Figurative (Praise) To praise or commend strongly "I applaud your courage."
Figurative (Agree) To agree with or support "The board applauded the proposal."

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "applaud" in? (e.g., writing a formal letter, describing a performance, talking about a person's qualities)?

Synonyms for the word applaud

Practice with vocabulary applaud

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The entire auditorium rose to ______ the graduating class's inspiring valedictorian speech.
  2. Despite numerous challenges, the project team managed to ______ all their key milestones ahead of schedule.
  3. Her innovative approach to problem-solving earned her widespread ______ from colleagues across departments.
  4. After the successful presentation of the quarterly results, the board members were quick to ______ the CEO's strategic leadership.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions might cause an audience to applaud? a) A musician delivering an flawless solo. b) A speaker concluding an inspiring address. c) An athlete winning a gold medal. d) A technical malfunction during a live broadcast.
  2. The management decided to publicly ______ the employee for her outstanding contribution to the quarter's success. a) reprimand b) ignore c) applaud d) commend
  3. The purpose of the annual awards ceremony is to ______ individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership. a) discourage b) recognize c) criticize d) applaud
  4. It is important to ______ open communication channels within the team to foster collaboration. a) obstruct b) establish c) neglect d) hinder
  5. When preparing a report, you should always ______ your data with reliable sources. a) fabricate b) support c) contradict d) ignore

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The audience gave a standing ovation to the opera singer after her breathtaking performance. Rewrite using "applaud" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The team's success in exceeding all targets was met with great approval from the management. Rewrite using "applaud" or a related word form:
  3. Original: The company aims to make its operations more environmentally friendly in the coming year. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "applaud"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. applaud
  2. achieve
  3. praise
  4. applaud

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a, b, c
  2. c, d
  3. b, d
  4. b
  5. b

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The audience enthusiastically applauded the opera singer's breathtaking performance.
  2. The management offered their applause for the team's success in exceeding all targets.
  3. The company plans to implement more environmentally friendly operations next year.

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