Orator Meaning: Definition and Examples

πŸŽ™οΈ
Add to dictionary

orator

[ΛˆΙ’rΙ™tΙ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

public speaking

A skilled public speaker, especially one who is eloquent and persuasive. An orator is someone who delivers speeches with great skill and charisma, often to influence or persuade an audience.

Synonyms

lecturer, rhetorician, speaker.

Examples of usage

  • He was known as a powerful orator, captivating audiences with his words.
  • The political orator delivered a compelling speech that moved the crowd to action.
  • The renowned orator was able to sway public opinion with his persuasive rhetoric.
Context #2 | Noun

ancient Rome

In ancient Rome, an orator was a public speaker and advocate, often involved in legal or political matters. Orators in Rome were highly respected for their ability to sway public opinion and win arguments.

Synonyms

advocate, debater, spokesperson.

Examples of usage

  • The Roman orator delivered a powerful speech in the Senate, convincing the lawmakers to support his proposal.
  • Orators in ancient Rome were trained in the art of persuasion and rhetoric.
  • The famous orator Cicero was known for his skill in the courtroom.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The ancient Greeks highly valued skilled speakers; public speaking was an essential part of their democratic process.
  • Famous orators like Cicero and Demosthenes have influenced political speech for centuries.
  • Public speaking debates were common in ancient Rome, showcasing the importance of persuasive communication in civic life.

Pop Culture

  • Modern-day figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama are celebrated not just for their ideas but also for their powerful oratory skills.
  • Movies often portray orators as charismatic leaders, impacting their followers with inspiring speeches.
  • The classic scene from 'The King’s Speech' emphasizes the significance of overcoming personal challenges to become an effective speaker.

Psychology

  • Effective public speaking can evoke various emotional responses, which are crucial for persuasion and influence.
  • Research shows that non-verbal cues in speeches, such as gestures and facial expressions, greatly enhance audience engagement.
  • The fear of public speaking, known as glossophobia, affects a significant portion of the population, illustrating the power and anxiety of being an orator.

Education

  • Public speaking skills are often taught in schools and are recognized as important for personal and professional development.
  • Debate clubs help students become better orators by teaching them how to argue effectively and think critically about various topics.
  • Courses in rhetoric focus on the art of persuasion, offering insights into structure, delivery, and audience analysis.

Origin of 'orator'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'orator' comes from the Latin word 'orator', which means 'one who speaks'.
  • In ancient Rome, oratory was considered a crucial skill, and great speakers were admired like celebrities.
  • The root 'or-' in Latin translates to 'to speak' or 'to plead', highlighting the word's connection to communication.

The word 'orator' has its roots in Latin, where it originally meant 'speaker' or 'pleader'. In ancient Rome, orators played a crucial role in public life, using their speaking skills to influence political decisions and legal proceedings. Over time, the term has come to signify a skilled and persuasive public speaker, capable of captivating audiences with their words.


See also: oral.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,149, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.