What does acclamatory mean?
Acclamatory is a formal adjective describing something that expresses or is marked by acclamation — that is, enthusiastic approval voiced through shouts, cheers, or applause rather than through a formal count of votes. When a legislative body elects someone unanimously by voice, or when an audience greets a speaker with thunderous approval, the reaction can be described as acclamatory. The word derives from the Latin acclamare, meaning to shout at or toward someone, formed from ad- ('toward') plus clamare ('to cry out'), the same root behind acclaim, exclaim, and clamor. Acclamatory appears chiefly in political, parliamentary, and ceremonial contexts, and its tone is always positive, conveying collective eagerness and unanimity. Though uncommon in everyday speech, it is useful for writers who want a precise term for approval expressed by voice rather than ballot.
adjectiveRelating to, expressing, or characterized by acclamation — enthusiastic approval or applause, especially shown by shouting or clapping rather than by formal voting.
- Expressing or characterized by acclamation; showing enthusiastic approval by shouts or applause rather than formal vote.
"The candidate's nomination was met with acclamatory cheers that filled the hall."
"The assembly passed the resolution with acclamatory shouts of approval."
"Her speech drew an acclamatory response from the audience."
When a crowd roars 'aye!' instead of casting ballots, that's acclamation in action — and anything expressing it is acclamatory, straight from Latin clamare, 'to shout.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of acclamatory
Acclamatory comes from the Latin acclamare, meaning 'to shout out' or 'to cry out against/at,' formed from ad- ('toward') and clamare ('to shout'). It entered English as an adjective describing things expressive of acclamation, likely in the early modern period alongside the older noun acclamation. It shares its root with related English words including acclaim, exclaim, proclaim, and clamor, all tracing back to the Latin verb clamare.
How acclamatory is actually used
A formal, somewhat rare word found mainly in political, ceremonial, and historical writing. It carries an unambiguously positive connotation of collective enthusiasm.
Easily confused with acclamatory
Acclamation is the noun denoting the enthusiastic approval itself, while acclamatory is the adjective describing something that expresses or relates to that approval.