allocution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical (Legal)
Quick answer
What does “allocution” mean?
A formal speech, especially one made by a defendant at the end of a trial or by a convicted person before sentencing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A formal speech, especially one made by a defendant at the end of a trial or by a convicted person before sentencing.
In broader contexts, any formal or authoritative address, pronouncement, or speech-making act, especially one that is solemn and directed from a position of authority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used almost exclusively in legal contexts in both varieties. The right to allocution is a formal part of sentencing procedure in US courts; in UK courts, the process is similar but the term 'allocution' itself is less commonly used in everyday legal parlance.
Connotations
Conveys gravity, formality, and finality. Associated with a last chance to speak before judgment is passed.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both. Slightly more common in American English due to its explicit role in criminal procedure.
Grammar
How to Use “allocution” in a Sentence
to make/give/deliver an allocution [to the court]the right of allocutionduring/prior to allocutionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allocution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The barrister advised his client to allocute with remorse.
- The defendant allocuted before the sentence was handed down.
American English
- The judge asked if the defendant wished to allocute.
- She allocuted for nearly twenty minutes.
adverb
British English
- He spoke allocutively, focusing on the court's mercy.
American English
- She addressed the judge allocutively, as was her right.
adjective
British English
- The allocutionary right is fundamental.
- He prepared an allocutory statement.
American English
- The allocution phase of the hearing was brief.
- Her allocutory remarks were entered into the record.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in legal scholarship and historical texts discussing rhetoric or papal addresses.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would only be used by someone discussing a court case in detail.
Technical
Core usage is in legal procedure, specifically criminal law during the sentencing phase.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allocution”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allocution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allocution”
- Using it to mean any speech or allocation of resources.
- Misspelling as 'elocution' (which is about speech style).
- Using it in informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Elocution' refers to the skill of clear and expressive speech. 'Allocution' is a formal address, especially in a legal setting.
Primarily a defendant in a criminal trial. In some formal contexts, it can refer to an authoritative address by a figure like a pope.
No, it is a right, not a requirement. The defendant may choose to speak or remain silent.
Rarely. It is a highly specialised term. Its non-legal use is archaic or very formal, such as referring to a papal allocution.
A formal speech, especially one made by a defendant at the end of a trial or by a convicted person before sentencing.
Allocution is usually formal, technical (legal) in register.
Allocution: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæl.əˈkjuː.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæl.əˈkjuː.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To have one's day in court (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ALLOCUTION = ALLOCate your final words to the COURT. It's your allocated time to speak to the judge.
Conceptual Metaphor
JUSTICE IS A DIALOGUE (a final, formal part of the conversation between the state and the accused).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'allocution' MOST accurately used?