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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency) - Styles & Qualities of Speech

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Cambridge English: CPE (C2 Proficiency)
badinage
badinage
[noun]

light, witty, and playful conversation

Ex: Their badinage kept the dinner party lively and fun. 
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circumlocution

the use of an indirect expression to describe something

Ex: Rather than say leg, the medical student used circumlocution like "lower extremity" in front of the patient. 
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blandishments

words or actions meant to flatter or charm someone in order to persuade them to do something

Ex: No amount of blandishments could change her mind. 
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colloquy
colloquy
[noun]

a scholarly gathering or conference, especially for discussion of theological or doctrinal issues

Ex: The Reformation-era colloquy brought together Catholic and Protestant scholars. 
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encomium
encomium
[noun]

a formal expression of praise or tribute, typically delivered in speech or writing

Ex: The professor delivered an encomium praising the student's groundbreaking research and its significant contributions to the field. 
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expository
expository
[Adjective]

intended to explain and present information in a detailed manner

Ex: The textbook is written in an expository style. 
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extemporaneous
extemporaneous
[Adjective]

spoken or performed without prior preparation

Ex: She gave an extemporaneous speech that impressed the audience. 
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facetious
facetious
[Adjective]

not showing the amount of seriousness needed toward a serious matter by trying to seem clever and humorous

Ex: His facetious remarks about the serious issue were not well received. 
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florid
florid
[Adjective]

describing language or style that is elaborate and ornate, often with excessive use of adjectives and vivid details

Ex: The author’s florid prose was rich with elaborate descriptions, creating a vivid but sometimes overwhelming narrative. 
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implicit
implicit
[Adjective]

suggesting something without directly stating it

Ex: His implicit approval was evident from the nod of his head. 
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laconic
laconic
[Adjective]

conveying something whilst using a very small number of words

Ex: His laconic reply left everyone wondering about his true feelings. 
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innocuous
innocuous
[Adjective]

not likely to cause injury, offense, or strong reaction

Ex: His comment seemed innocuous but sparked controversy. 
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panegyric
panegyric
[noun]

a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something

Ex: In his speech, he wrote a panegyric to his parents, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout his career. 
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straight from the shoulder

saying what is in one's mind in a very forceful yet honest manner

Ex: The manager gave his employees straight from the shoulder feedback, praising their strengths and identifying areas for improvement. 
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succinct
succinct
[Adjective]

expressed clearly and briefly, without losing the main points

Ex: Her explanation was succinct, covering all the key points in just a few sentences. 
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with {one's} tongue in {one's} cheek

in an ironic, humorous, or insincere way, not meant to be taken literally

Ex: He said, with his tongue in his cheek, that the two-hour meeting was the highlight of his week. 
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tacit
tacit
[Adjective]

suggested or understood without being verbally expressed

Ex: His tacit approval was evident from his nod, even though he said nothing. 
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to coarsen

to make a material or surface rougher or thicker in texture

Ex: Sanding the plank incorrectly coarsened its surface. 
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inter alia
inter alia
[Adverb]

used to indicate that something is part of a larger group or list, but not the only item mentioned

Ex: The contract covers, inter alia, payment terms and delivery schedules. 
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terse
terse
[Adjective]

using only a few words and to the point

Ex: His writing style is known for its terse yet impactful sentences that convey deep meaning. 
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bantering
bantering
[Adjective]

playfully humorous or teasing in a light, friendly way

Ex: They enjoyed a bantering exchange over coffee. 
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bawdy
bawdy
[Adjective]

humorously indecent or risqué, often dealing with topics considered taboo in polite society

Ex: The comedian's bawdy jokes had the audience roaring with laughter, despite their risqué nature. 
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bombastic
bombastic
[Adjective]

using inflated or pretentious language that sounds impressive but lacks real substance

Ex: His bombastic speech was full of grand promises but little detail. 
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cogent
cogent
[Adjective]

(of cases, statements, etc.) capable of making others believe that something is true with the use of logic and reasoning

Ex: Her cogent explanation of the scientific theory helped the students grasp the complex concepts with ease. 
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pellucid
pellucid
[Adjective]

expressed with exceptional clarity and transparency

Ex: The author's pellucid prose captivated readers, making even the most intricate ideas accessible to a wide audience. 
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impromptu
impromptu
[Adjective]

done spontaneously or without prior preparation

Ex: She delivered an impromptu speech at the conference, impressing everyone with her ability to speak off the cuff. 
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trenchant
trenchant
[Adjective]

clearly defined or sharply outlined, like the distinct boundaries between two ideas or concepts

Ex: The trenchant division between their political ideologies was evident in every debate they had. 
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