perorate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareFormal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “perorate” mean?
To speak at length in a formal, elaborate, or pompous manner, often at the conclusion of a speech.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To speak at length in a formal, elaborate, or pompous manner, often at the conclusion of a speech.
To deliver a formal oration or concluding part of a speech; to declaim or hold forth on a subject in a grandiloquent way.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Recognised in both varieties as a formal, low-frequency word.
Connotations
Consistently carries a formal, often slightly pompous or antiquated feel in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both everyday speech and writing. Slightly more likely to be encountered in historical or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “perorate” in a Sentence
[Subject] perorated[Subject] perorated on/against/about [Topic][Subject] perorated for [duration]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “perorate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The barrister would perorate for hours, trying the jury's patience.
- He perorated grandly on the virtues of the British constitution.
American English
- The senator perorated against the bill for forty-five minutes.
- Having made his point, he felt compelled to perorate further.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used; would be seen as archaic or pretentious.
Academic
Possible in literary criticism or historical analysis describing speech styles.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely. If used, would be ironic or jocular.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “perorate”
- Using it to mean 'to persuade' or 'to discuss'.
- Using it without the connotation of length and formality.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal word most often found in literary or historical contexts.
It often carries a critical or ironic nuance, suggesting the speech is overly long, pompous, or self-important, though it can be neutral in historical description.
The related noun is 'peroration', which specifically means the concluding part of a speech, typically intended to inspire enthusiasm.
It would sound very unusual and pretentious. It is best reserved for formal writing or specific descriptive contexts.
To speak at length in a formal, elaborate, or pompous manner, often at the conclusion of a speech.
Perorate is usually formal, literary in register.
Perorate: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɛrəreɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɛrəˌreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PEROator: a speaker who thinks they are PERfectly ORATE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A PERFORMANCE (one that is long and showy).
Practice
Quiz
Which situation best illustrates the meaning of 'perorate'?