oration

[ aw-rey-shuhn, oh-rey- ]
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noun
  1. a formal public speech, especially one delivered on a special occasion, as on an anniversary, at a funeral, or at academic exercises.

  2. a public speech characterized by a studied or elevated style, diction, or delivery.

Origin of oration

1
First 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.

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British Dictionary definitions for oration

oration

/ (ɔːˈreɪʃən) /


noun
  1. a formal public declaration or speech

  2. any rhetorical, lengthy, or pompous speech

  1. an academic exercise or contest in public speaking

Origin of oration

1
C14: 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