Synonyms and antonyms of Words used to describe speech style in British Thesaurus

brokenly (adverb)

literary if someone says something brokenly, there are spaces between their words, especially because they are upset or angry

colloquial (adjective)

used in informal conversation rather than in writing or formal language

definite (adjective)

very clear about what you say so that everyone understands you

flat (adjective)

said directly and definitely

flatly (adverb)

in a firm and definite way intended to end discussion of a subject

fluent (adjective)

spoken well and without difficulty

gibbering (adjective)

often humorous unable to speak in a sensible way, especially because you are frightened or shocked

halting (adjective)

with a lot of pauses between words or movements, often because of a lack of confidence

imperative (adjective)

formal an imperative voice or way of speaking is confident and determined and shows that you expect to be obeyed

mild (adjective)

used about someone’s behaviour or way of speaking

oral (adjective)

spoken but not written

plummy (adjective)

British a plummy voice or way of speaking is considered to be typical of an English person of a high social class. This word shows that you dislike people who speak like this.

shouty (adjective)

informal tending to shout a lot

shrill (adjective)

shrill words are repeated often and in a very firm way

stilted (adjective)

stilted movements or words are not relaxed and natural

voluble (adjective)

formal voluble speech is quick and continuous

well-spoken (adjective)

someone who is well spoken has an intelligent and pleasant way of speaking

well-spoken (adjective)

words that are well spoken are chosen well and express exactly what the speaker wants to say

windy (adjective)

informal using a lot of long words to try to impress people but not really saying very much