rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryorateFormal speaking
verb

orate

oh-RAYT/ɔˈreɪt/

To speak formally and at length, often pompously.

The speaker orates before the large audience, continuing the formal address.

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

In context

Nicki Swift speaker3:44
I wanted to get onstage and orate…
The Tragic Death Of Legendary Rapper MF DOOM
iswearenglish speaker0:40
we could have the verb to orate which is fairly unusual meaning to make a speech especially a boring one
🔵 Orator Oration Orate Oratory - Orator Meaning - Oration Examples - Formal English

More examples

  • He loves to orate about civic duty at neighborhood meetings.
  • The principal orated at length about the school's proud traditions.
  • While the chairman was orating, several guests slipped out.

Forms

orate · orates · orated · orating

oration noun — A formal speech delivered to an audience.

orator noun — A person who delivers formal public speeches.

Similar words

declaim
Emphasizes forceful, theatrical delivery rather than a speech's length.
speechify
More openly mocks someone's long or overly grand speech.