Oration
/ɔːˈreɪ.ʃən/noun
A formal public speech, especially one delivered on a ceremonial occasion.
Did you know?Oration comes from Latin oratio, which could mean both “speech” and “prayer,” reminding us that in the ancient world, speaking aloud was often a ritual act of power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*or-
“to speak, say”
Latin
LA
orāre
“to speak, plead, pray”
Latin
LA
orātiō
“speech, discourse, prayer”
Old French
OF
oracion
“speech, prayer”
Middle English
EN
oracioun
“speech, prayer”
Modern English
EN
oration
“formal public speech”