What does plaudite mean?
Plaudite is an uncommon, formal noun meaning enthusiastic applause, praise, or approval, particularly as expressed publicly by an audience. Its ceremonious sound suits literary descriptions of tributes, ovations, and responses to speeches or performances. The word has no everyday place in most contemporary English, but writers may choose it to add a classical or elevated tone. It derives from the Latin imperative plaudite, meaning “applaud!” or, literally, “you applaud,” addressed to a group. Although the final “e” reflects the Latin ending and is pronounced, the English noun takes the ordinary plural plaudites when a plural is required. Plaudite is therefore less common than applause but distinguished from it by its formal, literary register and its frequent association with collective public approval.
nounA formal or literary word for enthusiastic praise or a burst of applause.
- An expression or burst of enthusiastic applause, praise, or approval.
"The performance drew a warm plaudite from the audience."
"The judges offered a gracious plaudite for the young violinist's performance."
"His eloquent defence was met with a sustained plaudite from the gathering."
Used when referring to multiple expressions or bursts of applause, though the singular form is much more familiar.
"The lecturer received enthusiastic plaudites from several members of the audience."
Plaudite began as a call to an audience: in Latin, it literally meant “Applaud!”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plaudite come from?
Plaudite comes from the Latin plaudite, the second-person plural present active imperative of plaudere, “to applaud.” English borrowed the form as a literary noun denoting applause or a call for applause. Its relatives include applaud, applause, plaudit, and plaudible, all connected with the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How plaudite is actually used
Rare, formal, and chiefly literary. It is especially associated with public praise or applause and may sound deliberately elevated or ceremonial.
Easily confused with plaudite
A plaudit is a formal expression of praise, whereas a plaudite more often denotes applause or an enthusiastic public response.