Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal and ceremonial public speech: An "oration" is a formal speech, often delivered on a special occasion, characterized by eloquence, careful structure, and rhetorical style.
   • An instance of oratory: It refers to the act or art of public speaking, exemplified in a specific, delivered speech.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The president gave a moving oration at the memorial service.
  • His graduation oration inspired the entire class.
  • The senator's oration on environmental policy lasted for over an hour.

Advanced Usage

• "Funeral oration": A formal speech delivered at a funeral to honor and remember the deceased.
  • The ancient "Funeral Oration" by Pericles is a famous historical text.
• "To deliver an oration": The standard phrase for giving a formal speech.
  • She was chosen to deliver the keynote oration at the conference.

Variants and Related Words

• Orator (n): A person who delivers an oration or is skilled in public speaking.
  • He was known as a powerful orator who could captivate any audience.
• Oratorical (adj): Relating to the art or style of public speaking.
  • The speech was praised for its oratorical brilliance.
• Oratory (n): The art or practice of formal public speaking.
  • She studied classical oratory to improve her debating skills.

Synonyms

• Address: A formal speech delivered to an audience.
• Discourse: A formal, lengthy discussion of a subject in speech or writing.
• Harangue: A lengthy and aggressive speech (can have a negative connotation).
• Sermon: A talk on a religious or moral subject, typically delivered by a clergy member.

Related Phrases

• "To declaim an oration": To deliver a speech in a rhetorical or theatrical style.
  • The actor declaimed the oration with great passion.
• "Set-piece oration": A speech that is carefully prepared and follows a conventional structure.
  • The ceremony featured the traditional set-piece oration by the valedictorian.

Related Idioms

• "To mount the orator's box": (Archaic) To prepare to give a public speech.
  • Feeling strongly about the issue, he was ready to mount the orator's box.

Noun

1. an instance of oratory
   • he delivered an oration on the decline of family values