Lecture
'lɛktʃər
Definitions
4 meaningsAn educational talk to an audience.
'lɛktʃər
A formal educational talk on a particular subject.
The university offers many evening lectures on art history.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sitting in a classroom, and the teacher is talking about something interesting – that's a lecture! It's when someone explains a subject in a formal way.
👶 For kids: When a grown-up tells you about something you're learning in school.
More Examples
She delivered a compelling lecture on the impact of climate change.
The lecture hall was filled with students eager to learn.
How It's Used
"The professor gave a fascinating lecture on ancient history."
"The lecture on astrophysics was well-attended by students and researchers."
A scolding or reprimand.
'lɛktʃər
A reprimand or a scolding.
She received a stern lecture from her boss about her tardiness.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, grown-ups give you a lecture when you've done something wrong. It's like a long talk where they tell you what you did wasn't right.
👶 For kids: When someone tells you all the things you did wrong, and it takes a long time.
More Examples
I knew I was in for a lecture when my dad called me by my full name.
The children received a lecture about not touching the display in the museum.
How It's Used
"He got a lecture from his mother for staying out too late."
"The parents gave their children a lecture about being responsible."
To deliver a formal talk or speech on a subject, typically to a group of people.
'lɛktʃər
To give a lecture or talk on a particular subject.
He will lecture at the conference next week.
💡 Simply: To lecture means to give a formal talk to people about something, just like a teacher gives lessons.
👶 For kids: To talk to people in a class or meeting and teach them things.
More Examples
The professor lectures on the history of art every semester.
She was invited to lecture on her research findings.
How It's Used
"The professor lectures on various aspects of modern literature."
"She lectures every Tuesday and Thursday."
To scold or reprimand someone.
'lɛktʃər
To reprimand or scold someone.
The coach lectured the team after their poor performance.
💡 Simply: When someone 'lectures' you, they're giving you a long talk because you did something wrong, like a parent scolding a child.
👶 For kids: To tell someone all the things they did wrong.
More Examples
She lectured him on the importance of punctuality.
He was lectured by the principal for causing trouble.
How It's Used
"The mother lectured her child for misbehaving."
"He was lectured by his parents for failing his exams."
Idioms & expressions
to give someone a lecture
To scold or reprimand someone.
"My dad gave me a lecture about not doing my chores."
to deliver a lecture
To give a formal talk or presentation.
"The professor is going to deliver a lecture on the history of jazz."
From Middle English *lectour*, from Old French *lektur* (French *lecture*), from Latin *lectura*, from *legere* (“to read”).
The word 'lecture' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to a reading.
Memory tip
Think of a 'teacher's lecture' to remember this meaning. It's how professors teach in classes.