speech

[spiːtʃ]

speech Definition

• 1. the expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds
• 2. a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience
• 3. the way in which someone speaks, especially the quality of their voice

Using speech: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "speech" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She gave a moving speech at the graduation ceremony.

• Example

  The president's speech was broadcast live on television.

• Example

  He has a slight speech impediment that makes it difficult for him to pronounce certain words.

• Example

  Public speaking is a skill that can be learned through practice.

speech Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for speech

• oration
• address
• lecture
• sermon
• talk

Antonyms for speech

• silence
• quiet

Idioms Using speech

• have a speech with someone

  to have a conversation with someone

  Example

  I need to have a speech with my boss about my workload.

• make a speech

  to give a formal address or discourse to an audience

  Example

  The CEO made a speech at the company's annual meeting.

• give someone a piece of your mind

  to speak angrily and honestly to someone about something that has been bothering you

  Example

  I'm going to give my roommate a piece of my mind about leaving dirty dishes in the sink.

Phrases with speech

• free speech

  the right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint

  Example

  Freedom of speech is a fundamental human right.

• part of speech

  a category assigned to a word according to its syntactic functions within a sentence

  Example

  In the sentence 'The cat sat on the mat,' 'cat' is a noun, which is a part of speech.

• figure of speech

  a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect

  Example

  Simile, metaphor, and hyperbole are all examples of figures of speech.

Origins of speech

from Old English 'spǣc', related to German 'Sprache'

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Summary: speech in Brief

The term 'speech' [spiːtʃ] refers to the expression of thoughts and feelings through articulate sounds, as well as the ability to do so. It also denotes a formal address or discourse given to an audience, and the way in which someone speaks. Examples include 'She gave a moving speech at the graduation ceremony,' and 'He has a slight speech impediment.' Phrases like 'free speech' and idioms like 'give someone a piece of your mind' expand on the concept.