hold-forth

When someone is said to "hold forth," it means that they are speaking authoritatively or at length about a particular topic. This expression suggests that the person is asserting their opinions or knowledge in a forceful or commanding way.

The meaning of "hold forth"

The phrase "hold forth" is often used in a somewhat informal or colloquial context. It can imply that the speaker is holding the floor or dominating a conversation with their ideas or arguments. When someone is holding forth, they are usually speaking confidently and with a sense of conviction.

Examples of holding forth

Imagine a dinner party where one guest starts to hold forth on politics, sharing their strong opinions on current events. Or picture a classroom setting where a student holds forth during a class discussion, demonstrating a deep knowledge of the subject at hand.

While holding forth can be a way to share valuable insights or engage in lively debate, it can also be perceived as pontificating or coming across as overly assertive. It's essential to strike a balance between expressing oneself confidently and allowing others the opportunity to contribute to the conversation.

Next time you find yourself tempted to hold forth on a topic, consider the tone and manner in which you share your thoughts. Remember that effective communication involves not only speaking but also listening and respecting the perspectives of others.

1. During the meeting, the CEO began to hold forth on the company's future plans.
2. The professor liked to hold forth on literary theory during his lectures.
3. She would hold forth for hours on her favorite subjects without realizing how much time had passed.
4. The guest speaker held forth on the importance of environmental conservation.
5. He always finds a way to hold forth on the benefits of meditation whenever the topic comes up.
6. The expert held forth on the latest advancements in technology at the conference.
7. The politician could never resist the urge to hold forth on his political views.
8. The teacher held forth on the history of the ancient civilization to captivate her students.
9. The author held forth on the themes of his new book at the book signing event.
10. He tends to hold forth with confidence on any topic, even if he doesn't have all the facts.