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Glite Dictionary
epideictic oratory

epideictic oratory

9.9
Formal speech that praises or blames someone at a ceremony
  • noun
  • /ˌɛpɪˈdaɪktɪk ˈɔːrətɔri/
  • Literature
translation icon : oratoria epideíctica
  • Pericles' renowned funeral speech is often cited as a classic example of epideictic oratory.

Examples

  • The president delivered an epideictic oratory at the memorial service.

  • In ancient Athens, epideictic oratory was used both to praise heroes and to condemn traitors.

  • Graduation ceremonies frequently feature epideictic oratory to honor the achievements of students.

  • Many speakers use epideictic oratory during graduation ceremonies.

  • Graduation ceremonies frequently feature epideictic oratory to honor the achievements of students.

  • In ancient Athens, epideictic oratory was a common way to praise heroes and condemn traitors.

  • Pericles' renowned funeral speech is a classic example of epideictic oratory used in commemorative contexts.

Synonyms

oratory
vsepideictic oratory
  • Formal
10 7.3

The skill of speaking in public in a formal, powerful way to move people

applies to ceremonial speeches that praise or blame rather than the general skill
oration
vsepideictic oratory
  • Formal
6 7.6

A formal speech given at a special event

focuses on praising or blaming people or institutions during ceremonial speeches

How Ceremonial

ceremonial
  • Formal
1 4.6
epideictic oratory
  • Literature
9.9
speech
  • Formal
∞ 1.8
conversation
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

epideictic oratory singular
epideictic oratories plural

Morphology

epideictic + oratory

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from 'epideictic' (ceremonial/display) combined with 'oratory' (formal public speaking): it denotes a ceremonial or praise/blame speech. This is a regular compositional noun phrase and would be understandable to a B1 learner who already knows both constituent words.

Etymology

Epideictic oratory comes from the Greek word epideictic, which means 'to show', and it named speeches that were public 'shows' to praise or blame people at ceremonies. That's why today it means a formal speech used to honor or criticize someone at events like funerals or graduations.