ovation vs applause

Hello, please explain me why the right choise in the following is “ovation”:

At the end of the speech the whole assembly gave the speakers a standing …
a)ovation b) applause c) cheering d) support.

The dictionary gave me the same meaning for “standing ovation” and “standing applause” and that is made me confused.

Thanks!

Hi Penuel,

The most common expression is ‘standing ovation’ although of course you can stand and applaud. Of the two, ‘ovation’ is the more enthusiastic and usually includes cheering as well.

Alan

oh, Egnlish! will I be able to use it fluently one day?

Thank you very much, Alan, and your team for teaching us.