Lecture
Noun
- An exposition of a given subject delivered before an audience or class, for the purpose of instruction. Example: The geology professor gave a lecture about erosion.
- An earnest admonition or reproof; a reprimand. Example: When John lost the car keys, I gave him a lecture about responsibility.
Synonyms: talk, presentation, address, speech
Verb
- To deliver a lecture to (a class or audience). Example: The geology professor lectures every day.
- To admonish or reprove earnestly, often at length. Example: When John lost the keys, I lectured him about responsibility.
The word lecture has a false cognate in Spanish: “lectura,” which means “reading,” so my students often use lecture incorrectly, when they mean to say “reading.” The words both come from Latin, but the Spanish translation of lecture is closer to “conferencia.”
Quotes that Include “Lecture”
“A lecture is an occasion in which you numb one end to benefit the other.” —John Gould
“College is a place where a professor's lecture notes go straight to the students' lecture notes, without passing through the brains of either.” —Mark Twain