ovation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an enthusiastic public reception, especially a sustained burst of applause

   The cast received a long ovation after the final scene.

2. 2
   noun

   in ancient Rome, a ceremonial entry granted to a victorious commander when a full triumph was not awarded

   The general received an ovation rather than the more prestigious Roman triumph.

From French ovation or directly from Latin ovatio ("a lesser triumph, rejoicing"), from ovare ("to exult, rejoice, triumph"). English broadened the Roman ceremonial sense to an enthusiastic public reception and prolonged applause.

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