ovation

ovation — noun

1. a strong burst of clapping and cheering from a crowd to show admiration for a pe

1.nounC2
Definition

a strong burst of clapping and cheering from a crowd to show admiration for a person, speech, or performance.

Example

The violinist received a long ovation after the final note.

pattern: receive an ovation

When Maya finished her speech, the whole hall gave an ovation.

pattern: give an ovation

Common collocations
  • standing ovation
  • give someone an ovation
  • receive an ovation
  • thunderous ovation
  • warm ovation
Synonyms
  • applause

    broader and more common, and it can be less intense than an ovation

  • acclaim

    more formal and broader, including public praise beyond clapping in the room

  • cheer

    often shorter and more voice-based, not always the long formal response of an ovation

Antonyms
  • boos

    shows strong disapproval from a crowd

  • jeers

    mocking shouts instead of respectful praise

Grammar Patterns

give someone an ovation

receive an ovation

get a standing ovation

Usage Note

Usually follows verbs such as 'give', 'receive', or 'get', and it often appears in the phrase 'standing ovation'. Stronger and more special than ordinary 'applause', it suggests unusually warm public approval from a crowd.

Common Mistakes

My manager gave me an ovation in a private meeting.
My manager praised me in a private meeting.
an ovation normally comes from a crowd, not one person alone.
The singer got ovation after every song.
The singer got an ovation after every song.
use an article because 'ovation' is a countable singular noun.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Ovation' is stronger and more special than ordinary 'applause'. People can give 'applause' after many performances, but an 'ovation' suggests the crowd is especially moved or impressed. 'Acclaim' is broader and may include praise in reviews, newspapers, or public opinion, not just clapping in the room. A 'cheer' is usually shorter and more voice-based, often one shout or a burst of support, while an 'ovation' is a fuller public response. 'Tribute' is different again because it is an act of honor that may include speeches, gifts, or silence, not only clapping. A singer may get polite applause after one song, but a final encore can bring an ovation. A newspaper review may give an actor acclaim without any audience present.

ovation ↗applause ↗acclaim ↗cheer ↗tribute ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • give someone an ovation
  • receive an ovation
  • get a standing ovation
  • win an ovation

Prepositions

  • ovation for someone
  • ovation from the crowd

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Ovation came into English from Latin 'ovatio', the name for a Roman ceremony that honored a victory considered smaller than a full triumph. From that older idea of public honor, English developed the modern meaning of strong applause and praise from a crowd.