ventriloquial
Definition
Adjective: Relating to or characteristic of ventriloquism, the art of speaking in such a way that the voice seems to come from a source other than the speaker, typically a puppet or dummy.
Usage Examples
- (Relating to the technique of ventriloquism.)
- (Characteristic of ventriloquism, involving hidden speech.)
- (Pertaining to the methods used in ventriloquism.)
Advanced Usage
Ventriloquial illusion: the deceptive effect created by a ventriloquist.
- The ventriloquial illusion was so convincing that children believed the puppet was alive. (The trick of making the voice appear to come from elsewhere.)
Ventriloquial technique: the specific vocal and physical methods used in ventriloquism.
- Mastering the ventriloquial technique requires years of practice to avoid lip movement. (The learned skill of speaking without visible articulation.)
Variants and Related Words
Ventriloquism (n): the art or practice of speaking in a way that the voice seems to come from a distant source.
- Ventriloquism is a popular form of stage entertainment. (The skill of projecting the voice deceptively.)
Ventriloquist (n): a person who performs ventriloquism.
- The ventriloquist made the wooden doll appear to tell jokes. (The performer of ventriloquism.)
Ventriloquize (v): to speak in a ventriloquial manner.
- He learned to ventriloquize without moving his lips. (To produce ventriloquial speech.)
Synonyms
- Throat-singing (adj): relating to a similar technique of producing voice from the abdomen (less common).
- Vocal illusionary (adj): creating an auditory illusion regarding the source of sound.
Related Idioms
- Throw one’s voice: to speak in a way that the voice seems to come from elsewhere.
- The performer could throw his voice across the room, a classic ventriloquial trick. (To project the voice deceptively, synonymous with ventriloquism.)