What does applausive mean?
Applausive is a rare English adjective used to describe something that expresses approval or applause — an applausive review praises warmly, and an applausive audience shows its enthusiasm openly. The word derives from the Latin verb applaudere ('to clap at, to approve by clapping'), the same root that gave us 'applaud' and 'applause'. Because it overlaps so closely with more familiar words such as approving, complimentary, and laudatory, it has never entered common use and today survives mainly in literary or deliberately elevated prose. Its value lies chiefly in precision and charm: when a writer wants a single compact adjective conveying active, clapping approval rather than mere quiet assent, applausive offers exactly that shade of meaning. Readers encountering it should understand it as a synonym of 'expressing applause', not as describing something deserving of applause.
adjectiveExpressing or inclined to express approval or applause; showing enthusiastic praise.
- Expressing approval or applause; given to praising enthusiastically.
"The critic's applausive review helped fill the theatre for the rest of the run."
"The audience was in an applausive mood from the opening number."
"Her applausive remarks about the young pianist were quoted in the local paper."
Before 'applause' filled stadiums, the Latin verb 'applaudere' literally meant to clap 'at' someone — and 'applausive' is one of its last surviving English descendants.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of applausive
Applausive comes from the Latin verb applaudere, formed from ad- ('toward') plus plaudere ('to clap, strike'), which originally described striking the hands together in approval. English borrowed the related noun 'applause' and verb 'applaud' in the early modern period, and 'applausive' emerged as a derived adjective around the seventeenth century. It shares its ultimate root with 'plausible' (from Latin plausibilis, 'worthy of applause') and, more distantly, with 'explode', whose original sense was to drive a performer off stage by clapping.
How applausive is actually used
A rare, somewhat formal or literary word; ordinary usage favours 'approving', 'complimentary', or 'applauding'. It appears mostly in older or deliberately ornate writing.
Easily confused with applausive
'Applausible' is a rarer variant meaning worthy of applause, whereas 'applausive' describes the act of expressing applause or approval.