Applaudire

Applaudire is an Italian verb meaning to applaud, to clap one’s hands in approval. It is typically transitive, used with a direct object referring to a person, performance, or event, as in il pubblico applaude il cantante (the audience applauds the singer). The action expresses approval or praise, often in public settings such as concerts, speeches, or ceremonies.

Etymology: The verb derives from Latin applaudere, formed from plaudere “to clap,” with the prefix a- (used here as a variant of ad-). The related noun is applauso, meaning “applause.”

Conjugation: In the present indicative, the forms are io applaudo, tu applaudi, lui/lei applaude, noi applaudiamo, voi applaudite, loro applaudono. Passato prossimo uses the auxiliary avere: ho applaudito, hai applaudito, ha applaudito, abbiamo applaudito, avete applaudito, hanno applaudito. The imperfect is io applaudavo, tu applaudavi, lui/lei applaudava, noi applaudavamo, voi applaudavate, loro applaudavano. The future is io applauderò, tu applauderai, lui/lei applauderà, noi applauderemo, voi applauderete, loro applauderanno.

Usage notes: Applaudire remains common for public performances or formal occasions, and is typically followed by a direct object referring to the performer or event. The noun for the act is l’applauso. Variants such as “dare/apparecchiare applausi” are used in colloquial speech, though less frequently than simply “applaudire.” In broader contexts, synonyms like acclamare can convey stronger or more collective approval.