First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
elocution
noun el·o·cu·tion \ˌe-lə-ˈkyü-shən\
: the study of how to speak clearly and in a way that is effective and socially acceptable
Full Definition of ELOCUTION
1
: a style of speaking especially in public
2
: the art of effective public speaking
— el·o·cu·tion·ary \-shə-ˌner-ē\ adjective
— el·o·cu·tion·ist \-sh(ə-)nist\ noun
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Origin of ELOCUTION
Middle English elocucioun, from Latin elocution-, elocutio, from eloqui
Related to ELOCUTION
- Synonyms
- oratory, public speaking
Other Grammar and Linguistics Terms
Rhymes with ELOCUTION
absolution, allocution, attribution, comminution, consecution, constitution, contribution, convolution, destitution, dissolution, distribution, evolution, execution, exsolution, institution, involution, persecution, prosecution, prostitution, resolution, restitution, retribution, revolution, Rosicrucian, substitution
ELOCUTION Defined for Kids
elocution
noun el·o·cu·tion \ˌe-lə-ˈkyü-shən\
Definition of ELOCUTION for Kids
: the art of reading or speaking clearly and effectively in public
Word Root of ELOCUTION
The Latin word loquī, meaning “to talk” or “to speak,” and its form locūtus give us the roots locu and loqu. Words from the Latin loquī have something to do with talking. An eloquent speaker speaks clearly and well. Elocution is the art of speaking or reading well in public. A ventriloquist is a person who speaks so that the voice seems to come from elsewhere.
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