ovation
ovation Lexical Profile
ovation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A sustained and enthusiastic show of appreciation from an audience, especially by means of applause.
"The orchestra received a five-minute standing ovation at the conclusion of the symphony."
In ancient Rome, a lesser form of triumphal procession granted to a victorious commander when a campaign did not meet the strict conditions for a full triumph.
"After suppressing the rebellion without major bloodshed, the Roman senate awarded the general an ovation rather than a full triumph."
• Rhymes for ovation
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin ovatio ('a lesser triumph'), from ovare ('to rejoice, exult'). In ancient Rome, an ovation was a minor victory procession in which the commander entered the city on foot or horseback and sacrificed a sheep (ovis), resulting in a popular folk etymology linking the word to sheep.