applaud
UK: əˈplɔːd | US: əˈplɔːd
vi. to show approval or praise by clapping hands
vt. to express strong approval of someone or something
applaud = ap<toward> + plaud<clap>
- ap (prefix, variant of "ad-" meaning "toward" in Latin)
- plaud (root, from Latin plaudere meaning "to clap or strike")
Etymology Origin:
The word "applaud" originates from Latin applaudere, combining ad- (toward) and plaudere (to clap). It originally described the physical act of clapping hands in approval, later extending metaphorically to verbal or emotional praise. The root plaud also appears in related words like "plausible" (initially meaning "deserving applause") and "explode" (from Latin explodere, "to drive out by clapping").
The audience began to applaud after the performance.
We applaud your efforts to improve community safety.
Critics applauded the film for its innovative storytelling.
She applauded loudly when her son received the award.
The team’s hard work was applauded by the manager.