Applauso

Applauso is the Italian noun for applause, the act of clapping hands to show appreciation or approval, typically at performances, speeches, or public events. It serves as a form of immediate audience feedback and can influence the pacing and morale of the performer. Applause can be spontaneous or part of a formal program, and its strength and duration are often interpreted as signals of audience engagement. Common forms include brief clapping, rhythmic sequences, and, in many cultures, prolonged or repeated clapping that may culminate in a standing ovation. In Italian usage, ovazione is the term for a standing ovation.

Etymology and related terms: The word applauso derives from the Latin verb applaudere, to clap, through the Italian verb applaudire and the noun form applauso. Cognates exist in other Romance languages, such as English applaud and French applaudir, reflecting a shared etymological lineage.

Usage notes: The noun is countable: uno applauso, due applausi. In different performance contexts, organizers may request quiet during certain sections or cue applause at specific moments. Cultural norms around when and how to applaud vary by country and setting, and in some contexts audiences may reserve applause for the end of a piece or for a particularly notable moment.