orate
/ɔ:'reit/ Cách viết khác : (oratorise) /'ɔrətəraiz/ (oratorize) /'ɔrətəraiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To speak formally and at length, often in a pompous, grand, or overly elaborate manner. The word typically carries a slightly humorous or critical connotation, suggesting the speech is more about style and self-importance than substance.
Usage and Examples
- Verb:
- The politician stood up to orate about his vision for the future, but said very little of concrete value.
- He loves to orate at dinner parties, holding everyone captive with his lengthy stories.
- Instead of answering the question directly, she began to orate on the general principles of the topic.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Connotation: "Orate" is often used humorously or critically to describe someone speaking in a way that is perceived as pretentious, bombastic, or excessively theatrical. It implies a performance.
- Context: Commonly used in informal contexts to gently mock a long-winded or pompous speaker. It is less likely to be used for a genuinely respected formal speech (where "deliver a speech" or "address" might be preferred).
Variants and Related Words
- Orator (noun): A person who delivers a formal speech, especially one who is skilled in public speaking. (e.g., )
- Oration (noun): A formal speech, especially one given on a ceremonial occasion. (e.g., )
- Oratorical (adjective): Relating to the art or practice of public speaking. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Declaim: To speak or recite in a rhetorical or impassioned way.
- Harangue: To lecture someone at length in an aggressive and critical manner.
- Pontificate: To express one's opinions in a pompous and dogmatic way.
- Hold forth: To speak at length about a subject one is knowledgeable or passionate about.
Antonyms
- Listen: To give attention to sound.
- Mumble: To speak quietly and indistinctly.
- Understate: To describe or represent something as being smaller or less important than it actually is.
Idioms and Phrases
- To stand up and orate: This phrase explicitly captures the act of beginning a pompous speech.
- Every time the subject comes up, he feels compelled to stand up and orate about it.