What does perorated mean?
Perorated is the past tense of perorate, a word for speaking at length, particularly when the speaker sounds pompous, emphatic, or tiresome. Its tone is generally critical rather than neutral: saying that someone perorated often suggests that they talked too long or gave an unnecessarily elaborate speech. The word can describe lectures, public addresses, arguments, or even extended informal conversation. For example, a writer might say that a politician perorated about the economy while ignoring the audience’s concerns. Although the underlying idea can be serious, the word usually carries a note of irony or disapproval. It is a useful term when describing speech that is not merely long but also inflated or monotonous.
verbPast tense of perorate: to speak at length, especially in a pompous or tedious manner.
- To speak at length, especially in a pompous, emphatic, or tedious manner.
"The chairperson perorated for nearly an hour before the committee finally asked a question."
"The professor perorated about the importance of scholarly rigor."
"He perorated from the platform while the audience waited impatiently for the results."
If someone talks for hours without letting anyone else respond, they may be accused of perorating.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perorated come from?
The word comes from the Latin peroratus, the past participle of perorari, meaning “to speak out” or “to harangue.” The prefix per- intensifies the sense of speaking forth at length. Its relatives include peroration, a formal speech, and orator, a person who delivers speeches; all belong to the Latin rhetorical tradition associated with orare, “to speak, pray, or plead.” In English, the verb developed a strongly unfavorable meaning in the 17th century, emphasizing long, often tedious speaking.
Related word forms
How perorated is actually used
Usually carries a mildly critical or humorous tone, implying that the speech is lengthy, grandiloquent, or tiresome. It is more common in formal criticism and descriptive writing than in neutral reporting.