lecture

[ lek-cher ]

noun

1. a speech read or delivered before an audience or class, especially for instruction or to set forth some subject:

   a lecture on Picasso's paintings.

   Synonyms: discourse, paper, talk, address

2. a speech of warning or reproof as to conduct; a long, tedious reprimand.

verb (used without object)

, lec·tured, lec·tur·ing.

1. to give a lecture or series of lectures:

   He spent the year lecturing to various student groups.

verb (used with object)

, lec·tured, lec·tur·ing.

1. to deliver a lecture to or before; instruct by lectures.

   Synonyms: address, teach

2. to rebuke or reprimand at some length:

   He lectured the child regularly but with little effect.

   Synonyms: hector, admonish

lecture

/ ˈlɛktʃə /

noun

1. a discourse on a particular subject given or read to an audience
2. the text of such a discourse
3. a method of teaching by formal discourse
4. a lengthy reprimand or scolding

verb

1. to give or read a lecture (to an audience or class)
2. tr to reprimand at length

Other Words From

• pre·lecture noun adjective verb prelectured prelecturing
• un·lectured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lecture¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin lēctūra “a reading”; lection, -ure

Word History and Origins

Origin of lecture¹

C14: from Medieval Latin lectūra reading, from legere to read

Example Sentences

The group has been travelling to villages, meeting Naga elders, organising lectures and distributing educational materials such as comic books and videos to spread awareness.

From BBC

In a lawsuit by a former Donda employee, Murphy Aficionado claimed that besides being exposed to West's inappropriate sexual behavior, Aficionado was subject to West's "racist lectures."

From Salon

“It’s an incredibly popular law and that makes sense because nobody really likes to be told who to vote for, and people aren’t going to church expecting to hear political lectures,” Markert said.

From Los Angeles Times

“I think this was taken completely out of context, and it made him look bad,” said student Jada Carroll, who was in class during the lecture.

From Los Angeles Times

The AU embraced its multilateralism but recoiled from being lectured on human rights and democracy and were divided on Western military interventions such as in Libya.

From BBC

Related Words

• admonish
• chide
• preach
• scold