What does speech mean?
Speech is the communication of ideas through spoken words. It can mean the general human ability or activity of speaking, as in a discussion of freedom of speech, or a particular formal address given to an audience, as in a politician delivering a speech. A third, less frequent sense refers to someone's characteristic manner of speaking, including vocabulary, tone, and rhythm. The word is used across British and American English and can suggest either everyday conversation or, in specific contexts, an organized public performance. Speech is distinct from writing because it is voiced and usually heard by an audience; however, speeches may also be written in advance and later published. It is a useful word because it covers both the basic act of speaking and the formal social practice of public address, while remaining more specific than the broad term communication.
nounSpoken communication expressed in words, or the ability to communicate in this way. A speech can also refer to a formal public address delivered by a person.
- The act or result of communicating by spoken words.
- A formal public address delivered to an audience.
- A particular manner of speaking, including style, tone, or habitual way of expression.
"She gave a moving speech about the importance of community."
"The professor's speech was both rigorous and accessible."
"He was known for his measured speech and careful choice of words."
Used when referring to multiple formal addresses or spoken expressions.
"The archive contains recordings of several important speeches."
Speech began as a specialized kind of knowledge: the Old English word for it once meant learning, argument, or examination before it came to mean the spoken word itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does speech come from?
The word comes from Old English spēc, which could refer to speaking, a discourse, or an act of formal address. It ultimately belongs to a Germanic root associated with speaking and is related to English speak as well as to cognates such as German Sprache and Dutch spraak. Over time, the English word narrowed and developed its modern emphasis on expressed words and formal public addresses.
Related word forms
How speech is actually used
In its general sense, speech is neutral and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. The phrase freedom of speech refers to the right to express opinions publicly, while a speech usually refers to a prepared or formal address rather than everyday conversation.