acclaimed

Acclaimed is an adjective meaning widely praised or celebrated publicly. It is commonly used to describe works such as films, books, music, and performances, or people who have earned high regard. The term signals broad approval from critics or audiences, but it is inherently subjective and does not guarantee universal agreement.

It derives from the verb acclaim, from the Latin acclamare meaning to cry out or praise. The adjective form entered English in the early modern period and is typically used attributively (an acclaimed author) or predicatively (the author is acclaimed). In media discourse, the phrase critical acclaim is frequently used to summarize positive reception.

In practice, "acclaimed" is often used in journalism and publicity and may be influenced by the sources cited or by marketing considerations. Some critics caution that the label can reflect a spotlight rather than a consensus and may vary across cultures or over time.

Common collocations include acclaimed author, acclaimed film, and acclaimed director. Readers should consult multiple reviews to obtain a balanced view, as "acclaimed" does not imply unanimity and can obscure diverse opinions.