hold forth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, sometimes ironic
Quick answer
What does “hold forth” mean?
to speak at length, often in a formal or self-important manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to speak at length, often in a formal or self-important manner.
To express one's views or opinions publicly and in detail, sometimes implying the speaker is monopolizing the conversation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant structural difference. Slightly more common in British English, but well-understood in both.
Connotations
In both varieties, it implies a degree of lecturing or monologuing. The ironic or negative connotation (of being tedious or pompous) is equally strong.
Frequency
Low frequency in casual conversation in both regions. More likely found in writing, journalism, or descriptive narration.
Grammar
How to Use “hold forth” in a Sentence
[Subject] holds forth (on/about [Topic])[Subject] held forth for [duration] (on/about [Topic])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hold forth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He held forth on the virtues of a proper cup of tea.
- She held forth about the planning regulations at the council meeting.
American English
- He held forth on the benefits of the free market.
- She held forth about the city's traffic problems for twenty minutes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used critically: 'The manager held forth for an hour on the new policy, losing everyone's attention.'
Academic
Used descriptively in humanities/social sciences: 'The philosopher held forth on the nature of truth.'
Everyday
Used with mild criticism or humour: 'Uncle John held forth about politics all through dinner.'
Technical
Virtually never used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hold forth”
- Using it for positive, brief speech ('She held forth a great toast' – Incorrect). Confusing it with 'hold back' or 'hold on'. Using wrong preposition ('hold forth for a topic' – Incorrect; use 'on' or 'about').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not always, but it often does. It primarily describes lengthy speech, which can be neutral or positive if the speaker is engaging ('She held forth captivatingly'). However, it frequently implies the speaker is being tedious, pompous, or monopolizing the conversation.
No. 'Hold forth' specifically implies speaking at length. A quick remark would not be described this way.
The most common prepositions are 'on' and 'about' to introduce the topic (e.g., 'hold forth on politics'). It can also be used without a prepositional phrase.
It is more formal or literary. In everyday informal speech, people are more likely to say 'go on and on about' or 'talk at length about'.
to speak at length, often in a formal or self-important manner.
Hold forth: in British English it is pronounced /həʊld fɔːθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /hoʊld fɔːrθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hold forth (itself is an idiom)”
- “Hold court (similar, but more about attracting an audience)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone HOLDing a microphone and stepping FORTH from a crowd to give a long speech.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT HELD OUT FOR OTHERS (to hold forth an idea).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely connotation of 'hold forth' in this sentence: 'He held forth for an hour on the flaws in our proposal.'?