Definition of 'speech'

Word Frequency

speech

(spiːtʃ )

Word forms: plural speeches

1. uncountable noun

Speech is the ability to speak or the act of speaking.

...the development of speech in children.

...a speech therapist specialising in stammering.

Synonyms: communication, talk, conversation, articulation More Synonyms of speech

2. singular noun [usually poss NOUN]

Your speech is the way in which you speak.

His speech became increasingly thick and nasal.

I'd make fun of her dress and imitate her speech.

Synonyms: diction, pronunciation, articulation, delivery More Synonyms of speech

3. uncountable noun

Speech is spoken language.

He could imitate in speech or writing most of those he admired.

...the way common letter clusters are usually pronounced in speech.

Synonyms: language, tongue, utterance, jargon More Synonyms of speech

4. countable noun

A speech is a formal talk which someone gives to an audience.

She is due to make a speech on the economy next week.

He delivered his speech in French.

...a dramatic resignation speech.

Synonyms: talk, address, lecture, discourse More Synonyms of speech

5. countable noun

A speech is a group of lines spoken by a character in a play.

...a great actor delivering a key speech from Hamlet.

English Easy Learning GrammarReporting speechThere are two ways of writing down or reporting what was said on any occasion. We can repeat the actual words used (direct speech),
Monica said, ‘There’s ... Read more

Video: pronunciation of
speech

speech in British English

(spiːtʃ )

noun

the act or faculty of speaking, esp as possessed by persons

to have speech with somebody

(as modifier)

speech therapy

that which is spoken; utterance

a talk or address delivered to an audience

a person's characteristic manner of speaking

a national or regional language or dialect

6. linguistics another word for parole (sense 5)

Word origin

Old English spēc; related to specan to speak

Word Frequency

speech in American English

(spitʃ )

noun

the act of speaking; expression or communication of thoughts and feelings by spoken words

the power or ability to speak

the manner of speaking

her lisping speech

that which is spoken; utterance, remark, statement, talk, conversation, etc.

a talk or address given to an audience

the language used by a certain group of people; dialect or tongue

the study of the theory and practice of oral expression and communication

8. Archaic

rumor; report

SYNONYMY NOTE: speech is the general word for a discourse delivered to an audience, whether prepared or impromptu; , address implies a formal, carefully prepared speech and usually attributes importance to the speaker or the speech [an address to a legislature]; oration suggests an eloquent, rhetorical, sometimes merely bombastic speech, esp. one delivered on some special occasion [political orations at the picnic]; a lecture is a carefully prepared speech intended to inform or instruct the audience [a lecture to a college class]; talk suggests informality and is applied either to an impromptu speech or to an address or lecture in which the speaker deliberately uses a simple, conversational approach; a , sermon is a speech by a clergyman intended to give religious or moral instruction and usually based on Scriptural text

Word origin

ME speche < OE spæc, spræc < base of sprecan, to speak: see speak

Word Frequency

speech in American English

(spitʃ)

noun

the faculty or power of speaking; oral communication; ability to express one's thoughts and emotions by speech sounds and gesture

Losing her speech made her feel isolated from humanity

the act of speaking

He expresses himself better in speech than in writing

something that is spoken; an utterance, remark, or declaration

We waited for some speech that would indicate her true feelings

a form of communication in spoken language, made by a speaker before an audience for a given purpose

a fiery speech

any single utterance of an actor in the course of a play, motion picture, etc

the form of utterance characteristic of a particular people or region; a language or dialect

manner of speaking, as of a person

Your slovenly speech is holding back your career

a field of study devoted to the theory and practice of oral communication

9. archaic

rumor

Word origin

[bef. 900; ME speche, OE spǣc, var. of sprǣc, deriv. of sprecan to speak; c. G Sprache]

Examples of 'speech' in a sentence
speech

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…

Sadly she seemed to lose the power of speech and the ability to read.He gave his acceptance speech in the college hall.No constitution in history has been more uncompromising about free speech.It is not idiomatic in speech or informal writing.Its members were not allowed to give speeches or to act like politicians.He was a great dad but he was rather formal in his manner of speech.He will attempt to stabilise his position today by giving a speech that addresses immigration concerns.No need for a speech next time.There will be champagne and smiles and nobody will read a resignation speech.He will now make a series of speeches on the economy.

Quotations

A speech is poetry: cadence, rhythm, imagery, sweep! A speech reminds us that words, like children, have the power to make dance the dullest beanbag of a heartPeggy NoonanWhat I Saw at the Revolution

A speech is like a love-affair. Any fool can start it, but to end it requires considerable skillLord Mancroft

Speech is the small-change of silenceGeorge MeredithThe Ordeal of Richard Feverel

Human speech is like a cracked kettle on which we tap crude rhythms for bears to dance to, while we long to make music that will melt the starsGustave FlaubertMadame Bovary