Applaudir

Aplaudir is a Spanish verb of action meaning to clap one’s hands in order to show approval or praise. It is a transitive verb that requires a direct object, most commonly a person or a performance, as in "El público aplaudió la actuación." The term can also be used more broadly to express approval or commendation.

Conjugation and usage notes

Aplaudir belongs to the regular -ir family in Spanish conjugation. Key forms include: present indicative aplaudo, aplaudes, aplaude, aplaudimos, aplaudís, aplauden; preterite aplaudí, aplaudiste, aplaudió, aplaudimos, aplaudisteis, aplaudieron; imperfect aplaudía, aplaudías, aplaudía, aplaudíamos, aplaudíais, aplaudían. The present subjunctive is aplauda, aplaudas, aplauda, aplaudamos, aplaudáis, aplaudan. Imperative forms include aplaude (tú), aplauda (usted), aplaudamos (nosotros), aplaudid (vosotros), aplaudan (ustedes). The verb regularly forms the participles: aplaudido (past participle) and aplaudiendo (gerund). It commonly appears with a direct object, and can also be used with the pronoun object: "la actuación fue aplaudida" or "la gente lo aplaudió."

Noun form and related terms

The action or sound of clapping is expressed by the noun el aplauso, referring to the applause itself. The noun can be used with adjectives or modifiers, e.g., "recibió un fuerte aplauso." A related verb, ovacionar, denotes a longer or more sustained ovation, often standing.

Etymology

Aplaudir derives from Latin applaudere, via Old French or Spanish transmission, reflecting the action of striking or clapping as a sign of approval.

Regional and stylistic notes

In most dialects, aplaudir retains its standard meaning across formal and informal contexts. In cultural settings, aplaudir is the primary public gesture of approval, while ovacionar is reserved for more emphatic praise.