speech
HighFormal, Neutral, Informal
Definition
Meaning
the expression of thoughts and feelings through spoken language
the faculty or act of speaking; a formal address or talk given to an audience; the way a particular person speaks; language as it is spoken (as opposed to written)
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to the general human capacity for vocal communication, a specific instance of public speaking, or the characteristic style of an individual's talk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In the context of therapy, BrE may use 'speech therapy' and AmE may also use 'speech-language pathology'.
Connotations
Largely identical connotations across both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
speech about [topic]speech on [topic]speech to [audience]speech by [speaker]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Freedom of speech”
- “Figures of speech”
- “Find your speech (lose/find)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO's annual speech outlined the company's new strategy.
Academic
The professor's speech on phonetics was highly technical.
Everyday
We had a lovely speech from the bride's father at the wedding.
Technical
The software analyses speech patterns for sentiment.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Speech' is not commonly used as a verb. The verb is 'speak'.
American English
- 'Speech' is not used as a verb. Use 'to speak'.
adverb
British English
- 'Speech' does not have a standard adverb form. Use 'verbally' or 'orally'.
- He agreed speechlessly.
American English
- No adverb form from 'speech'. Use 'verbally'.
- She nodded, speechless with surprise.
adjective
British English
- Speech-related issues are handled by the clinic.
- The speech sound was unclear.
American English
- Speech therapy is covered by insurance.
- He has a speech impediment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have to give a short speech in my English class.
- The baby's first speech sounds are 'mama' and 'dada'.
- His speech at the conference was about climate change.
- After the accident, she needed speech therapy.
- The politician's inflammatory speech sparked a major debate.
- Linguists study how children acquire speech.
- The attorney's closing speech was a masterful synthesis of logic and emotion.
- His idiolect—his personal speech patterns—marked him as being from the region.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A SPEECH is SPOKEN, both start with 'SP'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'He wandered off in his speech'), SPEECH IS A LIQUID (e.g., 'His words flowed freely').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse 'speech' (речь) with 'language' (язык). 'Speech' is the act or instance of speaking; 'language' is the system.
- Avoid using 'speech' to mean 'conversation' (разговор).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He made a great talk.' Correct: 'He gave a great speech.' or 'He gave a great talk.'
- Incorrect: 'She studies child speech.' (ambiguous). Correct: 'She studies children's speech.' or 'She studies child language.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical meaning of 'speech'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Speech' is a noun referring to the act, faculty, or instance of speaking. 'Speak' is a verb meaning to talk.
It can be both. As a general faculty, it's uncountable (e.g., 'human speech'). As a specific talk, it's countable (e.g., 'She gave three speeches').
Typically, no. 'Speech' primarily refers to spoken language. The written representation of spoken dialogue is called 'direct speech'.
It's a grammatical structure where you report what someone said without using their exact words (e.g., He said that he was tired).