Prelection

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A formal discourse or lecture, especially one given as part of a university course; a detailed exposition or address intended to instruct or inform; an oral presentation of subject matter for educational purposes
2. An academic talk or lesson delivered to an audience, typically involving explanation and discussion; a planned speech conveying information or arguments; a teaching session aimed at enhancing understanding of a topic
3. A structured educational speech or lecture presented to students or attendees; a comprehensive oral communication focused on a particular subject; an informative discourse designed to provide knowledge or insight on an academic theme

Etymology: "Prelection" comes from Latin "praelectio," meaning "the act of reading aloud to others." The Latin word was built from "praelegere," "to read something to others," which combined "prae" ("before," or "in front of") with "legere" ("to read" or "to gather"). The sense of gathering or selecting that "legere" carries in many Latin words gives way here to the idea of reading out a text for an audience. The English word therefore began as a plain description of reading aloud, and it kept that core when it came to mean a formal lecture, especially one given in an academic setting. The shift from a reader performing a text to a speaker addressing students is a natural one, since much early academic teaching consisted of reading and commenting on authoritative books.

Synonyms: lecture, discourse, address