Applause vs. Ovation — What's the Difference?

A common response to entertainment.

An enthusiastic and prolonged clapping.

A gesture of approval or praise.

A form of applause where the audience stands.

Clapping of hands to show approval.

A rare and significant form of recognition.

A polite form of appreciation.

A gesture indicating high level of approval.

Recognition of someone's effort publicly.

An expression of strong admiration or approval.

Applause (Latin applaudere, to strike upon, clap) is primarily a form of ovation or praise expressed by the act of clapping, or striking the palms of the hands together, in order to create noise. Audiences usually applaud after a performance, such as a musical concert, speech, or play, as a sign of enjoyment and approval.

The ovation (Latin: ovatio from ovare: to rejoice) was a form of the Roman triumph. Ovations were granted when war was not declared between enemies on the level of nations or states; when an enemy was considered basely inferior (e.g., slaves, pirates); or when the general conflict was resolved with little or no danger to the army itself.The general celebrating the ovation did not enter the city on a biga, a chariot pulled by two white horses, as generals celebrating triumphs did, but instead rode on horseback in the toga praetexta of a magistrate.The honoured general also wore a wreath of myrtle (sacred to Venus) upon his brow, rather than the triumphal wreath of laurel.

Approval expressed especially by the clapping of hands.

A sustained and enthusiastic show of appreciation from an audience, especially by means of applause

Praise; commendation

A processional entrance into Rome by a victorious commander, of lesser honour than a triumph.

The act of applauding; approbation and praise publicly expressed by the clapping of hands, stamping or tapping of the feet, acclamation, huzzas, or other means; marked commendation.

Enthusiastic, prolonged applause.

The act of applauding; approbation and praise publicly expressed by clapping the hands, stamping or tapping with the feet, acclamation, huzzas, or other means; marked commendation.

A show of public homage or welcome.

A demonstration of approval by clapping the hands together

An ancient Roman victory ceremony of somewhat less importance than a triumph.

(Ancient Rome) A victory ceremony of less importance than a triumph.

(by extension) A (ceremony for the) recognition of some achievement.

(by extension) Prolonged enthusiastic applause.

The act of laying eggs.

To give (someone) an ovation (prolonged enthusiastic applause).

A lesser kind of triumph allowed to a commander for an easy, bloodless victory, or a victory over slaves.

An expression of popular homage; the tribute of the multitude to a public favorite.

A prolonged applause for a person of group after a speech or performance.

Enthusiastic recognition (especially one accompanied by loud applause)

An ovation is considered a higher form of praise than applause, indicating stronger admiration or approval.

Not necessarily, but failing to stand during an ovation can be seen as a lack of enthusiasm or agreement with the majority’s sentiment.

Yes, clapping is a central part of an ovation, often accompanied by standing.

An ovation can last several minutes, depending on the audience's level of enthusiasm.

While common in the arts, ovations can also happen in any setting where a performance or speech deeply moves the audience.

Yes, if the applause is exceptionally enthusiastic and prolonged, it may evolve into an ovation.

Yes, an individual can start an ovation, but it requires the majority of the audience to join in to become genuine.

Ovations are spontaneous, arising out of the audience's overwhelming response to a performance or speaker.

Absolutely, solo performances can and often do receive ovations for exceptional displays of talent.

Yes, the duration of applause can reflect the audience's level of approval or enjoyment.

Generally, yes, applause is a polite way to show appreciation, though its intensity and duration can vary.

While applause typically involves sound, there are silent forms of applause, like the ASL clap, to show approval without noise.

Performers often view ovations as a high honor, reflecting deep connection and appreciation from the audience.

Exceptional performances, speeches, or acts that deeply move or impress the audience can prompt an ovation.

Standing ovations are common in many cultures but not universal; cultural norms around public displays of appreciation can vary.