What does peroration mean?
Peroration is a formal word for a long, emphatic speech, and it can also refer to the concluding section of a speech. Its tone is often elevated and literary, suggesting that the speaker is making a grand final address, although modern speakers frequently use the word humorously when a speech has become excessively long or elaborate. In historical rhetoric, a peroration was the conclusion of a speech, where the speaker summarized the argument and appealed to the audience. The word is related to oration, orator, and oratory, all of which derive from the Latin tradition of formal public speaking. It is especially useful when discussing rhetoric, parliamentary debate, political campaigning, or ceremonial address, and its slightly old-fashioned quality can make a description of a lengthy speech sound deliberately grand or ironic.
nounA long, emphatic speech, especially one that is concluding or excessively extended. The term often carries a mildly ironic tone in modern usage.
- A long, emphatic, or extended speech.
- The concluding part of a speech, especially a formal or rhetorical one.
"The candidate's final peroration was delivered to a standing ovation."
"The minister's peroration brought the debate to an emphatic close."
"After several hours of testimony, the chairman delivered a final peroration."
The plural is perorations; it is not commonly used in casual conversation.
"The two speakers offered lengthy perorations on the future of the country."
A peroration is the formal word for a speech that seems determined not to end.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peroration come from?
Peroration comes from Latin perorātiō, a noun meaning a speech or declamation, formed from perorārī, “to speak at length” or “to harangue.” The Latin verb combines the intensive prefix per- with ōrāre, “to speak, pray, or plead.” English borrowed the word in the early modern period, when it could refer to a formal concluding speech; its modern sense of a prolonged or overlong address developed from that older rhetorical meaning. Related English forms include oration, orator, oratory, and orate, all belonging to the same Latin speaking tradition.
Related word forms
How peroration is actually used
The word is formal and literary, and is often used ironically or critically for a speech that seems excessively long or overblown.
Easily confused with peroration
An oration is a formal speech in general, whereas a peroration emphasizes a long, emphatic speech or the concluding portion of one.