noun
speech
speech
noun
1
The ability to speak, or spoken language in general.
"The stroke temporarily affected his speech."
"Freedom of speech is protected by law in many countries."
2
A formal talk given aloud to an audience.
"She delivered a moving speech at the graduation ceremony."
How to Use Speech
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTalking, or a formal talk given to a group.
Common pairings
give a speech
freedom of speech
speech impediment
a moving speech
Word Forms
speeched past tense, speeches plural, speeches singular
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The stroke temporarily affected his _____.
Etymology
From Old English spǣċ/sprǣċ ("speech, discourse, language"), related to German Sprache. Comes from the same root as the verb "speak."