oration

[ aw-rey-shuhn, oh-rey- ]

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.

   Synonyms: declamation, discourse

oration

/ ɔːˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. a formal public declaration or speech
2. any rhetorical, lengthy, or pompous speech
3. an academic exercise or contest in public speaking

Word History and Origins

Origin of oration¹

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; -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of oration¹

C14: from Latin ōrātiō speech, harangue, from ōrāre to plead, pray

Synonym Study

See speech.

Example Sentences

In that oration, he accused law enforcement officials of tampering with evidence and argued that it was Barron who had attacked the children that night — and that he acted in self-defense.

From Washington Post

It was a wonky speech at times, more theater than dramatic oration, a classic Clintonian riff.

From The Daily Beast

Being young and oh-so-clever, I thought it would be witty to close my oration with a quote that depended on the f-word.

From The Daily Beast

He responded with Mark Antony's funeral oration; “ LEND me your ears…” emphasis on the lend, not the ears.

From The Daily Beast

He had his beautiful robe under him (for it was summer), and was preparing for his funeral oration.

From Project Gutenberg

He was distinguished as an oriental scholar, and died while delivering an oration at the academy of Caen.

From Project Gutenberg

Tim says more by the vigor of his smoking than Perry Thomas could express in a year's oration.

From Project Gutenberg

Michael listened impatiently, and interrupted the speaker in the midst of his oration.

From Project Gutenberg

Kate had to repeat the oration a dozen times; and he said it after her, like a Sunday-school scholar, till he had it pat.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• harangue
• homily
• sermon
• spiel