SPEECH • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Speech

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noun

Speech n.

1.

The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds; the power of speaking. "There is none comparable to the variety of instructive expressions by speech, wherewith man alone is endowed for the communication of his thoughts."

2.

He act of speaking; that which is spoken; words, as expressing ideas; language; conversation. Note: Speech is voice modulated by the throat, tongue, lips, etc., the modulation being accomplished by changing the form of the cavity of the mouth and nose through the action of muscles which move their walls. "O goode God! how gentle and how kind Ye seemed by your speech and your visage The day that maked was our marriage." "The acts of God... to human ears Can nort without process of speech be told."

3.

A particular language, as distinct from others; a tongue; a dialect. "People of a strange speech and of an hard language."

4.

Talk; mention; common saying. "The duke... did of me demand What was the speech among the Londoners Concerning the French journey."

5.

Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue. "The constant design of these orators, in all their speeches, was to drive some one particular point."

6.

Ny declaration of thoughts. "I. with leave of speech implored,... replied."

Synonyms: Syn. Harangue; language; address; oration. See Harangue, and Language.

verb

Speech v. i. & v. t. To make a speech; to harangue. (R.)

See images of 'Speech'

Etymology of 'Speech'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Speech" Quotes from Famous Books

... early biography, Tursellinus writes. "Nothing was a greater impediment to him than his ignorance of the Japanese tongues; for, ever and anon, when some uncouth expression offended their fastidious and delicate ears, the awkward speech of Francis was a cause of laughter." But Father Bouhours, a century later, writing of Xavier at the same period, says, "He preached in the afternoon to the Japanese in their language, but so naturally and with so much ease that he could not be ...

— History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom • Andrew Dickson White

... questions. Is that a bargain? Very well, then. When I've finished it—down to the very last touches—you shall come and sit up all night with me, and I'll read you every word. And by gad, old chap, if they give me a call the first night, and want a speech—and I see you sitting in your stall, like a blessed old fool as you are—by gad, sir, I'll hold up you and your judgment to the ridicule of the ...

— The Strand Magazine, Volume V, Issue 27, March 1893 - An Illustrated Monthly • Various

... they play games and smoke, and for awhile they will be able to bear up in their captivity; but not for long, not for very long, I take it. I am told they have times of deadly brooding and depression. I made them a speech—sitting down. It just happened so. I don't prefer that attitude. Still, it has one advantage—it is only a talk, it doesn't take the form of a speech. I have tried it once before on this trip. However, if a body wants ...

— Innocents abroad • Mark Twain

... group of earnest and sometimes fiery young men from any other. They doubtless said a great many foolish things, but they did so many wise ones that it seemed but reasonable to assume that there must be some grains of wisdom mingled with whatever dross was to be found in their speech. ...

— The Pagans • Arlo Bates

... than my attempts at public speech were my attempts to keep up with my squad in the gymnasium and on the parade ground. My fellow recruits were thinking in the terms of drill only, and I was thinking in the terms of my new-found opportunity for an education. My awkwardness made ...

— From the Bottom Up - The Life Story of Alexander Irvine • Alexander Irvine

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