Acclaim: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：praise enthusiastically (acclaim)

acclaim 🔊

/əˈkleɪm/

vt.

To praise something enthusiastically and publicly.

Acclaim illustrated by a director receiving enthusiastic applause at a film premiere.

praise enthusiastically 🔊

➕

/preɪz ɪnˌθuːziˈæstɪkli/

vt.

To express strong and enthusiastic approval or praise for someone or something, often publicly.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'acclamare': 'ad-' (to, at) + 'clamare' (to shout). Means to shout approval.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a CLAIM to fame that receives loud APPLAUSE – AC-CLAIM.

📖 Example

The director's new film was acclaimed by critics for its originality and emotional depth. 🔊 Critics praised the director's new film with great enthusiasm for its originality and emotional depth.

🔗 Collocations

universally acclaimed – praised by everyone or almost everyone

acclaim someone as – publicly praise someone by calling them a particular thing

receive critical acclaim – get enthusiastic praise from reviewers or experts

🔄 Synonyms

praise (v.) – To express warm approval or admiration.

commend (v.) – To formally praise someone or something, often as a recommendation.

applaud (v.) – To show approval or praise by clapping, or to express strong approval.

🚫 Antonyms

criticize (v.) – To indicate the faults of someone or something in a disapproving way.

denounce (v.) – To publicly declare to be wrong or evil; to condemn.

censure (v.) – To express severe disapproval of someone or something, typically in a formal statement.

🌱 Derivatives

acclaimed (adj.) – Publicly praised enthusiastically.

acclamation (n.) – Loud and enthusiastic approval or praise, typically from a crowd.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'acclaim' originates from the Latin 'acclamare', meaning 'to shout at'. In ancient Rome, public acclamation was a formal way for crowds to express approval for leaders or decisions, a practice that evolved into modern forms of applause and critical praise in arts and media.