What does acclamation mean?
Acclamation refers to loud, enthusiastic approval expressed by a group of people, typically in the form of cheering, clapping, or shouting rather than a formal vote. It carries two closely related senses: the general outpouring of approval a crowd gives a performer, leader, or achievement, and the more procedural sense of choosing someone for office unanimously and orally, without a ballot — as when a candidate is 'elected by acclamation' because no one opposes them. The word has a distinctly formal register, appearing most often in minutes of meetings, parliamentary records, and ceremonial reporting, though its root meaning of collective acclaim keeps it vivid even in dry official prose. Its connotations are strongly positive: acclamation suggests spontaneous, overwhelming endorsement rather than grudging consent. Because it implies unanimity, using it where disagreement actually occurred would be inaccurate. Related words such as acclaim, exclaim, and proclaim share its Latin ancestry.
nounLoud, enthusiastic approval or applause, especially from a crowd; also, the act of electing or choosing someone by unanimous oral vote without a formal ballot.
- Enthusiastic approval or applause expressed by a group, especially a crowd.
- The election or appointment of a person by unanimous voice vote, without a formal ballot (as in 'elected by acclamation').
"The new president was elected by acclamation, with no opposing candidates on the ballot."
"The soprano's final aria was met with thunderous acclamation from the packed hall."
"With no rival nominees, the treasurer was returned to office by acclamation at the annual meeting."
The plural is rare and usually appears in literary or historical writing describing repeated bursts of applause or shouts of approval.
"As the victor entered the arena, acclamations rose from every tier of the amphitheatre."
In ancient Rome, a general could be hailed 'imperator' by the sheer roar of his soldiers — no ballot required, just pure acclamation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acclamation
Acclamation comes from the Latin 'acclamatio', meaning a shout or exclamation, derived from 'acclamare', formed from 'ad-' ('toward') plus 'clamare' ('to shout or cry out'). The word entered English in the early 17th century, initially describing shouts of approval or celebration. It shares this Latin root with acclaim, exclaim, proclaim, and clamor, all of which preserve the core idea of raising one's voice.
How acclamation is actually used
Acclamation is a formal word, most often encountered in parliamentary, corporate, and ceremonial contexts. The phrase 'elected by acclamation' is standard in official proceedings and implies unanimity — it should not be used when any vote or dissent occurred. In everyday speech, words like 'applause' or 'cheers' are more natural.
Easily confused with acclamation
Acclimation means adjusting to a new environment or climate, while acclamation means enthusiastic approval or election by unanimous vote.
Acclaim is broader public praise or critical approval, whereas acclamation specifically denotes loud collective approval or a unanimous vote without a ballot.