oration
[ aw-rey-shuhn, oh-rey- ]
noun
a formal public speech, especially one delivered on a special occasion, as on an anniversary, at a funeral, or at academic exercises.
a public speech characterized by a studied or elevated style, diction, or delivery.
Origin of oration
1First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English oracion, from Latin ōrātiōn- (stem of ōrātiō) “speech, prayer,” equivalent to ōrāt(us), (past participle of ōrāre “to plead,” derivative of ōr-, stem of ōs “mouth”) + -iōn- noun suffix; see -ion
synonym study For oration
1. See speech.
Other words for oration
Words that may be confused with oration
- oration , peroration
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for oration
oration
/ (ɔːˈreɪʃən) /
noun
a formal public declaration or speech
any rhetorical, lengthy, or pompous speech
an academic exercise or contest in public speaking
Origin of oration
1C14: from Latin ōrātiō speech, harangue, from ōrāre to plead, pray
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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