hold forth

/hoʊld ˈfɔrθ/
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To speak for a long time as others listen.

Examples

  • He held forth confidently, though he knew little.
  • The guest was still holding forth when dessert arrived.
  • Nobody asked him to hold forth again.
  • At dinner, he held forth about city planning.
  • She can hold forth on opera for hours.

Similar words

pontificate
go on
talk at length
expound

Meanings

Speak at length about a subject

conversation
neutral
To talk confidently and at length about a subject, often while giving others little chance to speak.

Examples

  • At dinner, he held forth about city planning.
  • She can hold forth on opera for hours.
  • Nobody asked him to hold forth again.
  • The guest was still holding forth when dessert arrived.
  • He held forth confidently, though he knew little.

Similar words

Etymology

Hold suggests continuing, while forth suggests sending words outward. Together they describe sustaining a stream of talk.

FAQ

What does hold forth mean?

To hold forth is to talk at length about a subject.

When is hold forth used?

It often suggests that one person dominates the conversation.

How does hold forth differ from speak?

Speak is neutral, while hold forth suggests a long and confident stretch of talk.

How is hold forth used in a sentence?

He held forth about city planning throughout dinner.

Is hold forth formal?

It is not especially formal, but it can sound lightly critical.

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