plaudit

American  

[plaw-dit] / ˈplɔ dɪt /

noun

1. an enthusiastic expression of approval.

   Her portrayal of Juliet won the plaudits of the critics.

2. a demonstration or round of applause, as for some approved or admired performance.

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plaudit British  

/ ˈplɔːdɪt /

noun

1. an expression of enthusiastic approval or approbation

2. a round of applause

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Etymology

Origin of plaudit

First recorded in 1615–25; earlier plaudite (pronounced as three syllables), from Latin, 2nd person plural imperative of plaudere “to applaud ”

Explanation

As its sound might suggest, plaudit is indeed related to "applaud" and "applause." In fact it's really just a fancy way of saying "praise" or "acclamation." Plaudit is used more in a literary sense than in spoken English, and particularly applies to the reception of a work of art, most notably a play. In fact, the word comes from the Latin plaudite, loudly uttered by Roman actors at the end of a play and meaning "applaud!" Kind of like cue cards for game show audiences now.

Example Sentences

The case for removing the Baton of Honor as an academic plaudit is overwhelming.

From Washington Times • Jul. 20, 2020

There’s no plaudit that would probably impress someone who won a Pulitzer Prize for criticism in his rookie year as a car critic in 2004, but man, the dude can jam.

From Fox News • Dec. 31, 2019

They deserve every plaudit going for playing Tests in Fiji and Samoa.

From The Guardian • Jun. 24, 2012

The publicity was excellent: he was named “Innovator of the Year” by the Guardian, a British newspaper, and gained a plaudit from Hillary Clinton, America’s secretary of state.

From Economist • Sep. 16, 2010

Heroes having so nobly acted, with ours, will receive the plaudit of their country.

From The Defence of Stonington (Connecticut) Against a British Squadron, August 9th to 12th, 1814 by Trumbull, J. Hammond (James Hammond)

Related Words

• acclamation
• applause
• ovation