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

Tempering democratic rhetoric with aristocratic restraint, he rises above the divisions of debate to deliver the funeral oration when Athens buries its dead sons in the war’s first winter.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“All I need do is bring my notes from orations class, some paper, and my new fountain pen.”

Read more on Literature

Previous Lincoln scholars have treated the Lyceum Speech more as an outburst than an oration, at best the overwrought declamation of a gifted tyro.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Members of the audience have been cast as performers and the actors at times became the audience, trapped with repeating dramatic orations while watching us play.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Students heard dueling orations that denounced the Nixon administration and Students for a Democratic Society.

Read more on New York Times

Related Words

• harangue 
• homily 
• sermon 
• spiel