Speech

/spiːtʃ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The expression of thoughts and feelings by articulated sounds; the faculty or power of speaking.
Her speech was so eloquent that it captivated the entire audience.
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
The president gave a speech about the nation’s future at the conference.
A manner of speaking; a style of discourse.
He has a very distinctive speech that reflects his regional background.
The ability to communicate verbally.
Children with speech delays can benefit from speech therapy.
A particular kind of language or terminology.
Legal speech often involves words that most people do not understand.

Etymology

Middle English 'speche', from Old French 'espeech', from Latin 'spēchium'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Freedom of speech
The right to express opinions without censorship.
Speech bubble
A graphic representation of dialogue in comics.
Public speaking
The act of performing a speech to a live audience.

Related Words

lecturer
A person who gives a formal talk to an audience.
orator
A skilled public speaker, especially one who is eloquent or persuasive.
dialogue
A conversation between two or more people.

Slang Meanings

Big talk
He's full of big talk, but he never actually delivers.
Talk the talk
She can definitely talk the talk when it comes to negotiations.