What does acclaiming mean?
Acclaiming is the present participle and gerund of the verb 'acclaim', which means to praise someone or something openly and with great enthusiasm. When critics, audiences, or institutions are acclaiming a work, they are not merely approving of it — they are celebrating it loudly and publicly, whether through reviews, applause, or formal tributes. The word carries a distinctly positive and somewhat elevated register, appearing most often in journalism about the arts, sports commentary, and ceremonial contexts. It derives from the Latin 'acclamare', formed from 'ad-' (toward) and 'clamare' (to shout out), so its literal root sense is to cry out toward someone in approval. Related forms include the noun 'acclaim', the adjective 'acclaimed', and the noun 'acclamation'. Because it describes active, ongoing praise, acclaiming suits vivid writing about reputations being made and achievements being recognized in real time.
To praise someone or something enthusiastically and publicly; to express strong approval.
"The festival audience was acclaiming the documentary long after the credits rolled."
Typically used in continuous tenses; the simple past 'acclaimed' is far more common in everyday usage.
To greet or salute a person with shouts or applause, especially in a formal or ceremonial setting.
"The delegates rose, acclaiming the newly elected chair with sustained applause."
This older, literal sense of hailing by shouting is now rare outside ceremonial contexts.
The word behind every standing ovation traces back to Latin 'clamare' — to shout — so when critics are acclaiming a film, they are, etymologically speaking, shouting about it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acclaiming
Acclaiming comes from the verb 'acclaim', which English borrowed from Latin 'acclamare', meaning to shout at or cry out in approval — a compound of 'ad-' (toward) and 'clamare' (to shout). The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially describing the act of saluting or greeting someone with shouts, before developing its modern sense of enthusiastic public praise. It shares its Latin root with a whole family of vocal words, including 'exclaim', 'proclaim', 'clamor', and 'acclamation'.
Related word forms
How acclaiming is actually used
Acclaiming is almost always used in progressive tenses ('were acclaiming', 'is acclaiming') rather than as a standalone participle phrase. It carries a strongly positive, often formal register, typical of arts criticism, awards coverage, and ceremonial language. In everyday speech, people more commonly use the simple past 'acclaimed' or the noun 'acclaim' than this participial form.
Easily confused with acclaiming
'Acclaiming' is the act of praising enthusiastically (a verb form), while 'acclamation' is the noun referring to enthusiastic approval or the election of someone by unanimous voice vote without a ballot.