speech

speech

noun \ˈspēch\

Definition of SPEECH

1

a : the communication or expression of thoughts in spoken words b : exchange of spoken words : conversation

2

a : something that is spoken : utterance b : a usually public discourse : address

3

a : language, dialect b : an individual manner or style of speaking

4

: the power of expressing or communicating thoughts by speaking

Examples of SPEECH

1. She has to make a speech at the convention.
2. a graduation speech about embracing future challenges
3. I was so flustered that I momentarily lost the power of speech.
4. Slang is used mostly in informal speech.
5. Many words are more common in speech than in writing.

Origin of SPEECH

Middle English speche, from Old English sprǣc, spǣc; akin to Old English sprecan to speak — more at speak

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SPEECH

Synonyms: address, declamation, harangue, oration, peroration, talk

Related Words: diatribe, rant, tirade; eulogy, panegyric, tribute; keynote address (or keynote speech), lecture, salutatory; homily, sermon; monologue (also monolog), soliloquy; pitch, presentation, spiel

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms

ablaut, allusion, anacoluthon, diacritic, gerund, idiom, infinitive, metaphor, semiotics, simile

Rhymes with SPEECH

beach, beech, bleach, breach, breech, each, leach, leech, peach, pleach, preach, reach, screech, teach