declamation
UK[ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən]US[ˌdɛkləˈmeɪʃən]
n
the act or art of speaking in a rhetorical or impassioned way, as in a public address.
n
a speech, piece of writing, or passage delivered in a rhetorical or theatrical style.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
claim
ation
de
thoroughly
claim
to call, cry out
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'declamation' has a direct lineage from latin 'declamatio', which itself is built from the verb 'declamare', meaning "to practice public speaking" or "to orate." this verb is a compound of the intensive prefix 'de-' (thoroughly) and 'clamare' (to cry out, shout). the core notion is of a formal, practiced, and often theatrical style of vocal delivery, projecting the voice thoroughly. entering english via old french in the late 14th century, it retained this classical sense of a rhetorical exercise or a vehement speech, distinct from ordinary conversation. the modern meaning preserves this focus on a stylized, forceful, and often dramatic manner of speaking.
Analysis
Structure: de (thoroughly) + claim (to call, cry out) + ation (noun suffix)
de: a latin prefix meaning "thoroughly" or "completely."
claim: from the latin root 'clamare', meaning "to call, shout, or cry out." it appears in the english spelling as 'claim'.
ation: a latin-derived noun suffix indicating an action or process.
Examples
the actor's training included exercises in classical declamation.
his political speech was less a reasoned argument and more a fiery declamation.
the professor criticized the essay for its tendency toward declamation rather than analysis.