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Glite Dictionary
oracy

oracy

7.8
The ability to speak clearly and confidently so others understand you
  • noun
  • /ˈɔːrəsi/
  • UK
translation icon : oratoria
  • Effective oracy enables students to participate actively in classroom discussions.

Examples

  • Very little regard is accorded to the primacy of oracy in language teaching and learning (Obanya, 2002).

    Academic text (2012)

  • The term bilingual was particularly problematic, as the word bilingual, in the strictest sense, implies fully developed oracy and literacy in two languages.

    Academic text (2012)

  • The teacher emphasized the importance of oracy skills for presenting ideas clearly.

  • Developing oracy can significantly improve a child's confidence when speaking in public.

Synonyms

eloquence
vsoracy
20 6.1

The skill of speaking clearly and strongly to persuade people

is about fluent accurate spoken ability without aiming to persuade
oratory
vsoracy
  • Formal
10 7.3

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

applies to everyday fluent accurate speaking not formal public performance
fluency
vsoracy
8 3.0

A person's ability to speak or write a language easily and smoothly

emphasizes accurate fluent spoken expression rather than mere smoothness
articulateness
vsoracy
1 6.7

The ability to speak or write clearly and well

focuses only on fluent and accurate spoken expression
volubility
vsoracy
  • Formal
1 9.0

Talking a lot and easily with smooth confident speech

stresses controlled accurate spoken expression rather than high talkativeness
articulacy
vsoracy
7.5

The ability to speak ideas clearly when talking to others

is about fluent and accurate spoken expression rather than just clear delivery

Antonyms

muteness
1 6.8

Not speaking because someone cannot or chooses not to speak

inarticulacy
1 8.7

Not being able to speak or write clearly

How Fluent

fluency
8 3.0
oracy
  • UK
7.8

Surface Forms

oracy singular
oracies plural

Morphology

oracy = oral (transparent) = oral + acy

Formed from 'oral' (spoken) with the noun-forming suffix '-acy', so the meaning 'ability/state of spoken expression' is directly derived; orthographic loss of 'l' is minor.

Etymology

Oracy comes from the Latin root orare meaning 'to speak', the same root you see in familiar words like oral and orator. So, oracy means the skill of speaking clearly and confidently.