Allocution

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /alə(ʊ)ˈkjuːʃən/

Definitions

1. A formal discourse provided by a defendant in court to express regret or provide personal insights regarding their actions
2. A structured and solemn address given by a person, often in a legal setting, to convey thoughts or feelings
3. An official and carefully prepared oral presentation made to an audience, typically used to express remorse or explanation

Etymology: The Latin "allocutio" was a fairly ordinary word for an address or speech, built from "alloqui," meaning "to speak to" or "to address." That verb combined "ad," meaning "to" (which takes the form "al-" before "l"), with "loqui," "to speak," the same root that gives English words like "eloquent" and "loquacious." The Roman sense was broad, covering a formal speech delivered to a group, such as a commander addressing his troops. English borrowed the word directly from Latin, and it kept much of that formal flavour. Its use is strongly tied to ceremony and gravity: it names a speech given with dignity rather than casual conversation. In legal settings, it has become the standard term for the statement a defendant may make to a court before sentence is passed, at a point when they are not under oath and are not answering questions.

Synonyms: address, speech, oration