Applauded

Applauded is the past tense and past participle of the verb applaud. It denotes the act of expressing approval or praise, most commonly by clapping hands, but can also refer to expressions of acclaim in other forms or contexts.

Etymology: The English verb applaud derives from Latin applaudere, meaning “to clap,” from ad- “to” plus plaudere “to clap, strike,” with intermediary forms through Old French applauder. The past tense and past participle were formed in English as applauded.

Usage: Applauded describes performances, speakers, or achievements that were met with approval. It can take agents such as the audience or critics: “The audience applauded loudly” or “The film was applauded by critics.” The word can function as an adjective in phrases like “an applauded performance,” though this usage is less common than alternatives such as “acclaimed” or “praised.”

Cultural context: Attitude toward applause varies by culture, occasion, and setting. In some contexts, immediate vocal or nonverbal reactions accompany clapping, while in others silent recognition is customary. Applause timing, duration, and intensity can signal levels of approval or respect and may reflect social norms or ceremonial requirements.

See also: applaud, applause, acclaim.