declamation
declamation Lexical Profile
declamation Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A formal, impassioned, or rhetorical speech delivered in public, often characterized by dramatic emotion and a forceful, theatrical style.
"The senator's fiery declamation on the floor of the chamber drew both applause and sharp criticism."
The art or practice of reciting a classic speech, poem, or prose passage aloud from memory with appropriate gestures and vocal inflection, especially as an educational exercise in rhetoric or elocution.
"Students in the rhetoric seminar practiced declamation by memorizing and performing famous historical addresses."
In vocal music and opera, the clear, dramatic delivery of sung text in which the rhythm and pitch contour closely mirror the natural inflections and accents of spoken language.
"Monteverdi's operas are celebrated for their expressive musical declamation that heightens the emotional weight of the poetry."
• Rhymes for declamation
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Latin declamationem, a noun of action from declamare ('to practice public speaking' or 'to cry out aloud'), formed from de- ('thoroughly') and clamare ('to shout'). In ancient Rome, declamatio was a core pedagogical exercise in schools of rhetoric where students delivered speeches on historical or legal themes.