speech
English meaning: Speech
Definition
The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words; the ability to speak or to use vocalizations to communicate.
Example
“It was hard to hear the sounds of his speech over the noise. He had a bad speech impediment.”
Another example: “The senator delivered a rousing speech to thousands of supporters.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral and very common. Refers both to the human capacity for spoken language and to a formal address delivered to an audience. Used across everyday, academic (linguistics), and political contexts.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old English 'sprǣc' / 'spǣc' (act of speaking, language), related to 'specan' (to speak); of Germanic origin.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
Common Collocations
- give a speech
- freedom of speech
- public speech
- speech therapy
- keynote speech
- speech impediment
Word Forms
speech (n); speeches (pl.); speak (v); spoke; spoken
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B