ovazione

An ovazione is a form of public acclaim expressed by an audience through prolonged applause and vocal approval after a performance or event. In Italian and in some other contexts, the term denotes the act of giving such a display of support, often described as a standing ovation when the crowd remains on its feet. An ovazione may include shouts of praise, rhythmic clapping, and sustained energy from spectators, signaling strong approval of the performer or production.

The word derives from Latin ovatio, a ceremonial honor granted in ancient Rome to victorious generals. The ovatio was a public gesture of celebration considered more modest than a full triumph, and the term has persisted into modern usage to describe similar demonstrations of enthusiasm, though the ritual elements have largely faded outside formal contexts.

In contemporary usage, ovazione is commonly used in discussions of theatre, opera, concerts, and other live performances. It can be qualified with adjectives such as grande (great), prolungata (extended), or in piedi (standing) in Italian. In English-language reporting, standing ovation is the most common equivalent, but ovazione remains a standard term in Italian cultural discourse.