Speech
/spiːtʃ/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe expression or communication of thoughts or feelings in spoken words.
/spiːtʃ/
The act of speaking; the ability to speak.
The ability to communicate through speech is a fundamental human trait.
💡 Simply: Speech is like using your voice to say words and share your ideas with other people. Imagine you're telling your friend about a fun day at the park – that’s using your speech!
👶 For kids: When you use your mouth to say words, that's speech!
More Examples
His speech was slurred after the dental procedure.
She is working to improve her public speaking skills.
How It's Used
"The study of speech sounds is called phonetics."
"She lost her speech after the accident."
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
/spiːtʃ/
A formal talk given to an audience.
The candidate prepared a speech to address his supporters.
💡 Simply: A speech is when someone stands up and talks to a group of people, like a president giving a talk or a best man at a wedding. It’s usually planned out ahead of time!
👶 For kids: When someone talks to a lot of people, like at a party or a school, that's a speech!
More Examples
The valedictorian gave a memorable speech at graduation.
The award winner's speech was filled with gratitude.
How It's Used
"The President delivered a powerful speech on the economy."
"The bride's father gave a heartfelt speech at the wedding."
A particular language or dialect.
/spiːtʃ/
A language or dialect.
The researchers studied the evolution of human speech.
💡 Simply: A speech can also refer to the way people talk, like how some people have a different speech pattern or language than others. Think about the different languages used around the world.
👶 For kids: Speech can mean how people say words in different ways, like speaking Spanish or English.
More Examples
There are many variations in speech patterns across the country.
How It's Used
"The study of the different aspects of human speech"
Idioms & expressions
give a speech
To deliver an oration or talk.
"The CEO will give a speech at the conference."
speech impediment
A physical defect that prevents one from speaking normally.
"The child was diagnosed with a speech impediment."
freedom of speech
The right to express one's opinions publicly without government interference.
"The constitution guarantees freedom of speech."
From Middle English speche, from Old English sprǣc, sprǣċe ('speech, discourse, talk'), from Proto-Germanic *sprēkō ('speech, language'). Related to speak.
The word 'speech' has been used in English since the Old English period, evolving from the earlier term 'spræc' to encompass a wide range of spoken communication.
Memory tip
Think of the 's'ound you 'peech' to share your thoughts.
Word Origin
"talk, discourse"