elocution

[ el-uh-kyoo-shuhn ]

noun

1. a person's manner of speaking or reading aloud in public:

   The actor's elocution is faultless.

2. the study and practice of oral delivery, including the control of both voice and gesture.

elocution

/ ˌɛləˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the art of public speaking, esp of voice production, delivery, and gesture

Derived Forms

• ˌeloˈcutionist, noun
• ˌeloˈcutionary, adjective

Other Words From

• el·o·cu·tion·ar·y [el-, uh, -, kyoo, -sh, uh, -ner-ee], adjective
• elo·cution·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of elocution¹

1500–10; < Latin ēlocūtiōn- (stem of ēlocūtiō ) a speaking out, equivalent to ē- e- ¹ + locūtiōn- locution

Word History and Origins

Origin of elocution¹

C15: from Latin ēlocūtiō a speaking out, from ēloquī, from loquī to speak

Example Sentences

He throws every fiber of his being into each performance, altering his posture, elocution, temperament, and more.

From The Daily Beast

And Robert De Niro's Jake LaMotta in Raging Bull wasn't exactly the king of elocution.

From The Daily Beast

And hand-painting it allus seemed to me, is really elocution in oils; for a be-yutiful picture is a silent talker.

From Project Gutenberg

Long lectures may be given upon elocution, but the advice can be condensed into two directions.

From Project Gutenberg

The Speaker's speech was far from any oratory, but was as plain (though good matter) as any thing could be, and void of elocution.

From Project Gutenberg

His rhetoric was set forth with an ear-piercing elocution, and a voice that sometimes crashed like cannon.

From Project Gutenberg

The most remarkable for manners, appearance, and elocution are sent out to dress heads; and they come back tired to death.

From Project Gutenberg