Rapturous applause

USAGE SUMMARY

"Rapturous applause" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe enthusiastic and overwhelming applause, often in response to a performance or speech. An example: "The audience erupted in rapturous applause after the final act." Alternative expressions include "enthusiastic applause" and "thunderous applause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts & Culture

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rapturous applause and broad smiles followed.

The Economist

Rapturous applause fills the fifth floor of Barneys.

The Guardian

Rapturous applause follows each of the first dozen numbers.

The Guardian - Music

The crowd offered rapturous applause.

The New York Times

Cue rapturous applause.

The Guardian - Books

A puff of smoke and rapturous applause.

Independent

Then, to rapturous applause, on came Howard.

The Guardian

"Fuck the politicians," he had declared, to rapturous applause.

Independent

They gave the Queen rapturous applause and a standing ovation.

The Guardian

Bows to rapturous applause!His other side was rather quiet.

The Economist

There was a gasp, followed by rapturous applause.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with verbs like "receive", "provoke", "draw" or "meet with" to describe the reaction to a specific person or event.

Common error

Do not use "Rapturous applause" to describe polite or routine clapping. The adjective "rapturous" implies a state of intense pleasure or ecstasy; using it for a standard business presentation or a minor achievement can sound hyperbolic and insincere.

Linguistic Context

In a sentence, "Rapturous applause" functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as the direct object of a verb or as the object of a preposition (such as "to" or "with"). According to Ludwig AI, it is almost exclusively used to describe the collective reaction of a group to an impressive stimulus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Arts & Culture

15%

Political Reporting

10%

Less common in

Scientific Research

2%

Technical Manuals

1%

Legal Documents

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "Rapturous applause" is a highly effective and widely recognized colocation used to describe an overwhelming positive response from an audience. Data from Ludwig shows that it is a staple of journalistic writing, particularly in the arts and politics. While it is interchangeable with phrases like "thunderous applause", it carries a specific connotation of emotional ecstasy. Writers should use it to mark significant achievements or moments of deep connection between a performer and their audience, while being careful not to dilute its power by using it for more mundane events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Thunderous applause

Focuses more on the sheer volume and power of the clapping rather than the emotional state of the crowd

Standing ovation

Specifies the physical act of the audience rising from their seats to show respect and approval

Rousing reception

Implies the response was energetic and stirred the emotions of those present

Tumultuous reception

Suggests a slightly more chaotic or overwhelming response that may include shouting and cheering

A storm of applause

A metaphorical variation that emphasizes a sudden and forceful onset of clapping

Wild cheers

Highlights vocal expressions of approval over the sound of clapping

Enthusiastic response

A more formal and slightly less intense way to describe positive audience feedback

Roar of approval

Focuses on the collective vocal sound made by a large crowd in agreement or celebration

Hearty applause

Suggests a warm and sincere, though perhaps less ecstatic, level of approval

Ecstatic reaction

Shifts the focus from the sound (applause) to the internal emotional state (ecstasy) of the observers

FAQs

How do I use "Rapturous applause" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe an enthusiastic response, for example: "The soloist took a bow to "rapturous applause" from the packed auditorium."

What is the difference between "rapturous applause" and a "standing ovation"?

While both indicate high approval, a "standing ovation" explicitly means the audience stood up, whereas "rapturous applause" describes the intense quality and sound of the clapping.

What can I say instead of "rapturous applause"?

Depending on the context, you might use "thunderous applause", "wild cheers" or an "enthusiastic response".

Is "rapturous applause" formal or informal?

It is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is very common in journalism and literature but might feel a bit dramatic for casual, everyday conversation.