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des applaudissements polis
/de aplɔdismɑ̃ poli/
polite applause
Le public a réservé des applaudissements polis au conférencier.
The audience gave the speaker polite applause.
formal
Applause that is restrained, formal, or lacking enthusiasm, often given as a sign of respect rather than genuine approval.
Après son discours, il n'y a eu que des applaudissements polis.
After his speech, there was only polite applause.
Les invités ont offert des applaudissements polis à la fin du concert.
The guests gave polite applause at the end of the concert.
This phrase is often used to describe applause that is obligatory rather than enthusiastic, typically in formal or professional settings.
Collocations
applaudissements polis et tièdespolite and lukewarm applauseréserver des applaudissements polisto give polite applause
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use this phrase
Use 'des applaudissements polis' to describe formal or obligatory applause in settings like academic lectures, political speeches, or corporate presentations where the audience is expected to show respect but may not be genuinely enthusiastic.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal translation
Do not translate 'des applaudissements polis' as 'polite claps' or 'refined applause.' The phrase is an idiomatic expression in French that conveys a specific cultural nuance.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'applaudissements' (from Latin 'applaudere', meaning 'to clap') and 'polis' (from Latin 'politus', meaning 'polished' or 'refined'). The expression reflects a cultural norm in formal settings where applause is expected but not necessarily enthusiastic.
Usage Notes
This phrase is typically used in contexts where the audience is expected to show respect rather than genuine enthusiasm, such as after a formal speech, lecture, or performance that did not fully engage the audience. It is not derogatory but implies a lack of strong emotional response.
Word Breakdown
des applaudissements
applause
noun phrasepolis
polite, refined
adjectiveDictionnaire Français-Anglais