declamation

C2 Topic:Communication

US /ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən/ UK /ˌdekləˈmeɪʃən/ See IPA manual

Freq #190080

Meanings

1

noun
the formal, forceful, or theatrical delivery of a speech

The actor's declamation filled the hall without a microphone.
2

noun
a speech or passage delivered as an exercise in rhetoric or elocution

Each student prepared a declamation from a classical speech.
3

noun
loud, impassioned rhetoric that is considered empty or excessive

The essay substitutes angry declamation for evidence and analysis.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · the formal, forceful, or... oratoryrhetorical deliveryrecitation

2 noun · a speech or passage... recitation oration speech

3 noun · loud, impassioned rhetoric... harangue bombast rant

Opposites

understatementplain speech

Word family

Derived forms declamatory

Related forms declaim elocution rhetoric oration

Etymology

From French declamation and Latin declamatio, from declamare ('to practice public speaking, speak loudly'), formed from de- + clamare ('to cry out'). Ancient rhetorical training gave rise to the exercise sense; criticism of showy speech produced the pejorative sense.

Topics

Communication Word Formation & Derivatives Register & Style

External links

# declamation

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən/
**IPA (UK):** /ˌdekləˈmeɪʃən/
**Frequency rank:** 190080

## Meanings
1. the formal, forceful, or theatrical delivery of a speech
2. a speech or passage delivered as an exercise in rhetoric or elocution
3. loud, impassioned rhetoric that is considered empty or excessive

## Examples
- The actor's declamation filled the hall without a microphone.
- Each student prepared a declamation from a classical speech.
- The essay substitutes angry declamation for evidence and analysis.

## Synonyms
- oratory
- recitation
- oration
- harangue
- bombast

## Antonyms
- understatement
- plain speech

## Derived Forms
- declamatory

## Related Forms
- declaim
- elocution
- rhetoric
- oration

## Etymology
From French declamation and Latin declamatio, from declamare ('to practice public speaking, speak loudly'), formed from de- + clamare ('to cry out'). Ancient rhetorical training gave rise to the exercise sense; criticism of showy speech produced the pejorative sense.

## Topics
- Communication
- Word Formation & Derivatives
- Register & Style

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