2 syllables: clap, ping. Stress on clap.
KLAP-ing
/ˈklæpɪŋ/
clapping is pronounced KLAP-ing (/ˈklæpɪŋ/). It has two syllables (clap-ping), with the stress on "clap". Clapping refers to the act of striking one's palms together repeatedly to produce a sharp sound, typically in celebration, approval, or rhythm, often accompanying music or performance. The word can function as a verb (present participle) or a gerund noun form, describing the action itself or the sound it creates. It conveys energy, emphasis, and communal participation in various social contexts.
Clapping refers to the act of striking one's palms together repeatedly to produce a sharp sound, typically in celebration, approval, or rhythm, often accompanying music or performance. The word can function as a verb (present participle) or a gerund noun form, describing the action itself or the sound it creates. It conveys energy, emphasis, and communal participation in various social contexts.
"The audience started clapping loudly after the finale."
"She was clapping along to the beat at the concert."
"He kept clapping his hands in time with the drummer."
Pronounced /ˈklæp.ɪŋ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable: CLAP-ing. Start with the /kl/ blend, then the short /æ/ as in cat, followed by a soft /p/ release, and end with /ɪŋ/ (a quick, nasal -ing). It sounds like the word 'clap' plus the -ing suffix without adding an extra syllable. Listen for the crisp /p/ release and the short, unstressed second syllable. IPA: US/UK/AU /ˈklæp.ɪŋ/.
Two common mistakes: (1) Slurring the /p/ into the /ɪŋ/, producing /ˈklæpɪŋ/ with a weak stop; ensure a crisp /p/ release before the /ɪŋ/. (2) Confusing /æ/ with /eɪ/ in rapid speech, leading to /ˈkleɪ.pɪŋ/; keep the short /æ/ as in cat. Focus on the transition from /p/ to /ɪ/ with a clean stop and a short, tense vowel for the first syllable.
In US, UK, and AU, the core /ˈklæp.ɪŋ/ stays similar, but vowel quality shifts: US tends to a slightly nasal /æ/ and a sharper /p/ release; UK may have a crisper /ɪŋ/ and less vowel reduction; AU often features broader vowel restoration with a slightly longer /æ/. Rhotic influence is minimal here; the /r/ is not present. Overall, the main differences are vowel quality and pace in rapid speech.
The challenge lies in the precise, quick /p/ stop followed by the /ɪŋ/ nasal sequence. You must separate the /p/ release cleanly from the following /ɪ/ while keeping the second syllable unstressed. Some speakers blend /æ/ with a lax vowel or drop the /ŋ/ slightly. Practicing the stop-release timing and ensuring the /ɪŋ/ is compact will help produce a crisp, natural-sounding CLAP-ing.
Clapping uniquely emphasizes the hard stop /p/ immediately before the /ɪŋ/. Focus on a deliberate plosive release that’s audible before the nasal. The two-consonant onset /kl/ also benefits from a light, controlled tongue blade contact to avoid an overly velarized or lumpy onset. The result is a clean, light, percussive initial sound followed by a compact nasal ending.
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Clapping originates from the Old English clappian, meaning to strike or clap together. The term is related to the Proto-Germanic *klappjaną, implying a fast, resonant striking action. Early uses described the physical act of striking hands together as a form of approval or noise-making at gatherings. In Middle English, clappen signified both the physical action and the resulting sound, often used in the context of applause or expressive communication in public performances. Over time, the verb form clapping and the gerund noun form passed into modern English with the present participle -ing suffix, broadening to contexts like rhythmic clapping at music events or participation in ceremonial clapping. The concept also extended metaphorically to imply agreement, support, or collective emphasis, as in “clapping for joy.” The word has retained its core auditory meaning while expanding into cultural practices around entertainment, sports, and community events, where clapping is a universal nonverbal cue. First known uses appear in medieval texts describing groups clapping hands during performances and ceremonies, with later references in 17th–19th century literature noting the social act of applause as a sign of appreciation and social cohesion.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "clapping" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "clapping" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "clapping"
-ing sounds
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