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Webster 1913 Edition


Elocution

Elˊo-cu′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
elocutio
, fr.
eloqui
,
elocutus
, to speak out: cf. F.
élocution
. See
Eloquent
.]
1.
Utterance by speech.
[R.]
[Fruit] whose taste . . .
Gave
elocution
to the mute, and taught
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise.
Milton.
2.
Oratorical or expressive delivery, including the graces of intonation, gesture, etc.; style or manner of speaking or reading in public;
as, clear, impressive
elocution
.
“The elocution of a reader.”
Whately
3.
Suitable and impressive writing or style; eloquent diction.
[Obs.]
To express these thoughts with
elocution
.
Dryden.

Webster 1828 Edition


Elocution

ELOCU'TION

,
Noun.
[L. elocutio, from eloquor; e and loquor, to speak.]
1.
Pronunciation; the utterance or delivery of words, particularly in public discourses and arguments. We say of elocution, it is good or bad; clear, fluent or melodious.
Elocution, which anciently embraced style and the whole art of rhetoric, now signifies manner of delivery.
2.
In rhetoric, elocution consists of elegance, composition and dignity; and Dryden uses the word as nearly synonymous with eloquence, the act of expressing thoughts with elegance or beauty.
3.
Speech; the power of speaking.
Whose taste--gave elocution to the mute.
4.
In ancient treatises on oratory, the wording of a discourse; the choice and order of words; composition; the act of framing a writing or discourse.

Definition 2024


elocution

elocution

See also: élocution

English

Noun

elocution (countable and uncountable, plural elocutions)

  1. The art of public speaking with expert control of gesture and voice, etc.

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