oration

American  

[aw-rey-shuhn, oh-rey-] / ɔˈreɪ ʃən, oʊˈreɪ- /

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

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oration British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See speech.

Etymology

Origin of oration

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

Example Sentences

Instead, Brutus has Antony deliver the oration at Caesar’s funeral in the Forum.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From 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.

From 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.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• harangue
• homily
• sermon
• spiel