acclaim
Acclaim describes someone or something that has received a lot of public praise and recognition.
Explanation at your level:
Acclaim means people like something a lot. If you do a good job, people say 'Great!' That is a small version of acclaim. If a lot of people say you are great, you have acclaim.
When a book or a movie is very popular and critics say it is good, we call it 'acclaimed.' It means it has a good reputation. You can say 'The acclaimed actor' to show they are famous for being good at their job.
The word 'acclaim' is used to describe strong public praise. It is often used in newspapers or magazines. For instance, if an artist is 'critically acclaimed,' it means the experts think their work is excellent. It is a formal way to say something is well-regarded by many people.
In B2 English, you will notice 'acclaim' is almost always used in the context of professional achievement. It carries a sense of prestige. We often use it with adverbs like 'widely' or 'internationally' to emphasize the scale of the recognition. It is a step above just saying 'popular' because it implies a level of quality.
At the C1 level, you recognize that 'acclaim' serves as a marker of cultural or professional capital. It is frequently used in journalistic and academic registers to validate the quality of an individual's output. Note the distinction between 'fame' and 'acclaim': fame is about being known, while acclaim is about being recognized for merit or excellence.
At the C2 level, you appreciate the etymological nuance of 'acclaim' as a public manifestation of value. It is often used in literary criticism to describe the reception of a work. It bridges the gap between public opinion and expert consensus. Using this word effectively demonstrates a command of register, as it elevates the discourse from simple description to evaluative judgment.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Acclaim is strong public praise.
- It is usually used as an adjective: acclaimed.
- It is a formal word for high recognition.
- It is an uncountable noun.
When we talk about acclaim, we are talking about the kind of praise that makes headlines. Imagine an artist who just released a movie that everyone loves; that movie is acclaimed.
It is not just a simple 'good job.' It represents a high level of recognition from the public or experts. You will often see this word used in reviews, award shows, and biographies to highlight someone's success.
Think of it as the ultimate thumbs-up from the world. Whether it is a book, a scientist, or a musician, being acclaimed means you have truly made your mark.
The word acclaim has a very cool history. It comes from the Latin word acclamare, which means 'to shout at' or 'to cry out to.' Back in Roman times, this was how people showed their approval in public forums.
Over centuries, it evolved through Old French into English. While it started as a physical act of shouting, it shifted to describe the result of that shouting—the praise itself. It is a great example of how language changes from a physical action to a more abstract concept of status.
It shares a root with 'clamor,' which is the noisy sound of a crowd. So, when something is acclaimed, it is essentially something that the crowd has 'called out' as being great.
You will most often see this word used as an adjective in the form acclaimed. For example, 'The acclaimed author.' It is a formal word that fits perfectly in professional writing, journalism, and academic discussions.
It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation. You wouldn't say your sandwich is 'acclaimed'—that would sound quite funny! Instead, save it for things that have earned critical respect.
Common collocations include 'widely acclaimed,' 'critically acclaimed,' and 'internationally acclaimed.' These phrases add weight to the word and show just how far the praise has spread.
While 'acclaim' itself is a specific term, it appears in many contexts of success. 1. To win acclaim: To earn praise. (The play won much acclaim from critics.) 2. To receive universal acclaim: Everyone loves it. (The new album received universal acclaim.) 3. To be a critical darling: Often used for someone who has acclaim. (She is a critical darling.) 4. To sing someone's praises: To talk about how great someone is. (The boss is singing his praises.) 5. To be on everyone's lips: When someone is so acclaimed that everyone talks about them.
Pronounced /əˈkleɪm/, the stress is on the second syllable. It rhymes with words like exclaim, reclaim, and proclaim.
Grammatically, it is usually used as a past participle adjective (e.g., 'the acclaimed director'). You can also use it as a noun: 'The acclaim was deafening.' It is an uncountable noun when used this way.
Remember that it is a formal word. If you use it in a sentence, make sure the context matches the level of seriousness. It is not something you use to describe your breakfast or a quick errand!
Fun Fact
It comes from the same root as 'clamor', which means a loud noise.
Pronunciation Guide
uh-KLAYM
uh-KLAYM
Common Errors
- stressing the first syllable
- mispronouncing the 'ai' as 'ee'
- adding an extra sound at the end
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Moderate
Formal
Formal
Common
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Past Participles as Adjectives
The acclaimed film.
Uncountable Nouns
Acclaim is uncountable.
Collocations
Critically acclaimed.
Examples by Level
The movie is very good.
The movie is great.
Basic adjective.
She is a good singer.
She sings well.
Subject-verb.
Everyone likes the book.
People enjoy the book.
Simple present.
The show is famous.
The show is well-known.
Linking verb.
He wins a prize.
He gets an award.
Active verb.
The art is nice.
The art is pretty.
Adjective.
They clap for him.
They cheer for him.
Action.
The food is great.
The food tastes good.
Simple description.
The acclaimed actor won an award.
The book received much acclaim.
She is an acclaimed writer in her country.
The concert was acclaimed by all.
His work has earned him great acclaim.
They are an acclaimed team of doctors.
The film is widely acclaimed.
The play was acclaimed by the critics.
The band gained international acclaim after their tour.
She is a critically acclaimed novelist.
The project received widespread acclaim for its innovation.
He deserves all the acclaim he gets.
The chef is known for his acclaimed restaurant.
The movie was met with critical acclaim.
It is a highly acclaimed piece of art.
The architect earned acclaim for his design.
Despite the acclaim, he remained a humble person.
The museum exhibit was met with universal acclaim.
She has achieved critical acclaim in both film and theater.
The novel is an acclaimed masterpiece of modern literature.
He is an acclaimed expert in the field of physics.
The company received acclaim for its sustainable practices.
The show's success brought it much critical acclaim.
Her performance was met with rapturous acclaim.
The film’s success was bolstered by the unanimous acclaim of the critics.
He is widely regarded as the most acclaimed poet of his generation.
The architect’s work has garnered acclaim for its structural integrity.
The play was a triumph, earning critical acclaim across the board.
Her research has received acclaim within the scientific community.
The opera was met with critical acclaim for its innovative staging.
He has achieved a level of acclaim that few artists reach.
The exhibition was a culmination of years of acclaimed work.
The work is an acclaimed synthesis of classical and modern themes.
Her magnum opus was met with such acclaim that it redefined the genre.
The artist’s legacy is defined by the critical acclaim of his peers.
It is an acclaimed treatise that challenges conventional wisdom.
The performance was lauded with the kind of acclaim usually reserved for legends.
His career is a testament to the enduring power of critical acclaim.
The book is an acclaimed exploration of the human condition.
The symphony was met with the sort of acclaim that cements a composer's reputation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"to sing someone's praises"
to speak highly of someone
Everyone is singing her praises.
neutral"to be the toast of the town"
to be very popular and acclaimed
He is the toast of the town.
idiomatic"to be on a pedestal"
to be highly admired
Critics put the author on a pedestal.
neutral"to make a name for oneself"
to become famous/acclaimed
She made a name for herself.
neutral"to hit the big time"
to achieve major success
The band hit the big time.
casual"to be in the limelight"
to be the center of attention
The star loves the limelight.
neutralEasily Confused
similar spelling
claim means to assert
He claimed he was right.
same root
acclamation is a loud vote
They voted by acclamation.
rhyme
exclaim means to shout
He exclaimed in surprise.
rhyme
proclaim means to announce
They proclaimed the winner.
Sentence Patterns
The [noun] is acclaimed.
The book is acclaimed.
He is an acclaimed [noun].
He is an acclaimed actor.
The [noun] received acclaim.
The film received acclaim.
He was acclaimed for [noun].
He was acclaimed for his work.
Widely acclaimed, the [noun]...
Widely acclaimed, the play opened.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
acclaim is formal
acclaimed is an adjective
claim means to state as fact
acclaim is for achievements
it is uncountable
Tips
Memory Palace
Imagine a trophy room.
Native Speakers
Use it in reviews.
Cultural Insight
Used in award shows.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'acclaimed' as an adjective.
Say It Right
Rhymes with claim.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't pluralize it.
Did You Know?
Root is 'shout'.
Study Smart
Read movie reviews.
Register
Keep it formal.
Articles
Use 'the' or no article.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
A-Claim: You 'claim' an 'A' grade because you are praised.
Visual Association
A person holding an award on a stage.
Word Web
Challenge
Write a sentence about your favorite movie using the word acclaimed.
Word Origin
Latin
Original meaning: to shout at
Cultural Context
None
Used heavily in entertainment journalism.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At the movies
- critically acclaimed
- widely acclaimed
- acclaimed director
At school
- acclaimed professor
- acclaimed research
- earned acclaim
At work
- acclaimed project
- acclaimed results
- received acclaim
In literature
- acclaimed novelist
- acclaimed work
- critical acclaim
Conversation Starters
"Who is the most acclaimed person you know?"
"Do you think critics give too much acclaim?"
"What is an acclaimed movie you didn't like?"
"Why do people seek acclaim?"
"Is acclaim important for success?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you received praise.
Describe an acclaimed artist you admire.
Does acclaim change a person?
Is it better to be famous or acclaimed?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, but it is rarely used as one.
Only if they are famous for something!
Yes, very.
Acclaim.
Acclaimed.
Yes.
No, it's uncountable.
It means fame based on merit.
Test Yourself
The ___ actor is very famous.
Acclaimed means famous and good.
What does acclaim mean?
Acclaim is public praise.
Acclaim is a type of food.
Acclaim is praise.
Word
Meaning
Common collocation.
The movie is acclaimed.
She earned ___ for her research.
Acclaim is the noun.
Which is a synonym?
Adulation is strong praise.
Acclaim is usually uncountable.
Yes, it is.
The work met with acclaim.
The ___ nature of the award surprised him.
Adjective needed.
Score: /10
Summary
Acclaim is the high-level praise and recognition earned through excellence.
- Acclaim is strong public praise.
- It is usually used as an adjective: acclaimed.
- It is a formal word for high recognition.
- It is an uncountable noun.
Memory Palace
Imagine a trophy room.
Native Speakers
Use it in reviews.
Cultural Insight
Used in award shows.
Grammar Shortcut
Use 'acclaimed' as an adjective.
Example
She is an acclaimed chef who owns several Michelin-starred restaurants.
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