oration

formal speech

1 / 1

A speaker stands before a large audience with one hand raised and continues a formal public address while listeners sit attentively.

verb

orate

OR-ayt

To speak formally and at length, often pompously.

Etymology

orateEnglishformal speech

In this sense, orate was formed from oration to mean delivering a formal speech. It emerged with humorous or contemptuous overtones, suggesting lofty speechmaking.

Full entry

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orate