What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kudo
Example
She received kudos from her boss for completing the project ahead of schedule. [kudos: noun]
Example
I want to give kudos to my team for their hard work and dedication. [kudos: plural noun]
applause
Example
The audience gave a round of applause after the singer finished her song. [applause: noun]
Example
We applauded the speaker for his inspiring words. [applauded: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Applause is more commonly used than kudo in everyday language. Applause is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while kudo is less common and tends to be used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between kudo and applause?
Kudo is typically associated with a more formal or professional tone, while applause can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a variety of situations.