lecture
n. · v.-
1 educational talk (n.) A2 Elementary Academica formal talk given to a group of people to teach them about a subject, especially at a university.
a formal discourse delivered to an audience for instructional purposes, typically within a higher education context.
ExampleThe professor gave an interesting lecture on the history of art.
ExampleThe visiting professor delivered a guest lecture on quantum mechanics, attracting students from several different departments.
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2 a scolding (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea long, serious talk given to someone to criticize their behavior.
a lengthy and formal reprimand or scolding, often delivered in a stern or moralizing tone.
ExampleMy father gave me a long lecture about coming home late.
ExampleAfter the window was broken, the headteacher gave the students a stern lecture on the importance of respecting school property.
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3 to teach (v.) B1 Intermediate Academicto give a formal talk to a group of people to teach them a subject.
to deliver an educational discourse to a group; often used intransitively to describe a professional role.
ExampleShe lectures at the local college every Tuesday morning.
ExampleHe has spent the last decade lecturing on international law at various prestigious institutions across Europe.
UsageOften used with 'on' to indicate the subject matter.
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4 to scold (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informalto talk to someone in an angry or serious way because they have done something wrong.
to reprimand or criticize someone at length, often in a way that feels superior or annoying.
ExampleI don't need you to lecture me about my diet.
ExampleThe manager spent twenty minutes lecturing the staff on punctuality instead of addressing the actual technical issues.
From Middle English lecture, lectour, letture, letteur, lettur, lectury, from Medieval Latin or Late Latin lectura (“reading”), from Latin lectus, past participle of legō (“to read, recite”).
- Nounlecture
- Nounlecturer