Cool MateApplause vs Approval
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Applause
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Approval
Beyond 10,000 (less common)B2noun
| Applause | Approval | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //əˈplɔːz//🇺🇸 //əˈplɔz// | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈpruːvl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈpruːvl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Clapping hands to show enjoyment or approval. | Being okay with something or someone. |
| Example | The audience gave a standing ovation, filled with applause. | The project received official approval from the board of directors. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | receive applause, burst into applause, polite applause, loud applause, wild applause | full, warm, wholehearted, need, require, seek, process, rating, on approval, with approval, with somebody’s approval, a nod of approval, a roar of approval, somebody’s seal of approval, full, warm, wholehearted, need, require, seek, process, rating, on approval, with approval, with somebody’s approval, a nod of approval, a roar of approval, somebody’s seal of approval |
| Antonyms | silence, disapproval | disapproval, rejection |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'applaud' which is the verb form., Using 'applause' in singular form mistakenly., Mispronouncing it with emphasis on the wrong syllable. | Confusing 'approval' with 'approve' as they have different grammatical uses., Using 'approval' instead of 'approve' in sentences when a verb is required., Mixing up 'approval' with 'agreement' in contexts of consent. |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid in casual conversation unless discussing performances. | Use 'approval' in professional or formal contexts, such as meetings or reports. It’s less common in casual conversation, where you might say 'like' or 'okay with'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Applause vs Approval
What's the difference between Applause and Approval?
Applause: Clapping hands to show enjoyment or approval. Approval: Being okay with something or someone.
Can you show an example of each?
Applause: The audience gave a standing ovation, filled with applause. Approval: The project received official approval from the board of directors.
Can I use Applause and Approval interchangeably?
Not always. Applause and Approval are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.