The first thing that we are going to do to be able to know in depth the meaning of the term that concerns us is to determine its etymological origin. Specifically, it comes from Latin, from the word “acclamatio” which can be translated as “the action and effect of clapping by way of approval” and which is the result of the sum of several components:
-The prefix “ad”, which can translate as “towards”.
-The verb “clamare”, which is synonymous with “call” or “ask”.
-The suffix “-cion”, which is used to indicate “action and effect”.
The concept refers to the act and the consequence of cheering. This verb, for its part, can refer to clapping, cheering or cheering something or someone; to attract attention through some expression; or to choose unanimously.
For example: “The general secretary of the union was re-elected by acclamation, ” “The public acclaim at the talent of the singer was not long in coming, ” “I think that the acclaim of employers for this candidate is interested. ”
Cheer can be a collective demonstration that reflects people’s approval of an action or recognition of a person. In ancient times, it was common for people to gather to receive emperors, monarchs or generals after a military victory. Cheers were also frequent before certain announcements or speeches by the authorities.
Today these cheers continue to exist, although there are various ways to express approval or recognition. Suppose a soccer team is crowned champion of an international tournament and, upon returning to their home country, their players take to a stage set up in a park to display the trophy and celebrate. The assistants, when seeing the athletes, will celebrate with cheers. In addition, other people can virtually join the acclamation through social networks, with messages and greetings.
On the other hand, it can be said that elections where a candidate is unanimously elected are resolved by acclamation: “The delegate of the assembly was elected by acclamation. ”
In the same way, we cannot overlook the existence of the expression “by popular acclamation”. According to Digopaul, this is used with different meanings. However, among the most significant is the one that uses it to refer to the fact that any decision has been taken because the people or a part of it has wanted it.
Examples of this are, for example, currently surveys that are carried out through web pages or social networks about the most beautiful cities in a country. Thus, their results determine that “Córdoba has been chosen by popular acclamation as the most beautiful in Spain.”
Curiosities around this type of gesture is that Hildebrando was elected Pope on April 22, 1073 by popular acclamation. An election that was considered an absolute transgression of the law, since it was established that only a council of priests could make that decision.
