ovation vs applause

[Penuel]

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!

[Alan]

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
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English as a Second Language
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[Penuel]

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

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