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viva voce was our Word of the Day on 02/27/2012. Hear the podcast!
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Did You Know?
Viva voce derives from Medieval Latin, where it translates literally as "with the living voice." In English it occurs in contexts, such as voting, in which something is done aloud for all to hear. Votes in Congress, for example, are done viva voce - members announce their votes by calling out "yea" or "nay." While the phrase was first used in English as an adverb in the 16th century, it can also appear as an adjective (as in "a viva voce examination") or a noun (where it refers to an examination conducted orally).
Origin and Etymology of viva voce
Medieval Latin, with the living voice
viva voce
Definition of viva voce
: expressed or conducted by word of mouth
Examples of viva voce in a Sentence
the students are required to write two papers and take a viva voce examination
First Known Use of viva voce
1654
viva voce
Definition of viva voce
: an examination conducted viva voce —called also viva
First Known Use of viva voce
1842
VIVA VOCE Defined for English Language Learners
viva voce
Definition of viva voce for English Language Learners
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: spoken rather than written
viva voce
Definition of viva voce for English Language Learners
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: an oral examination given at a British university
Law Dictionary
viva voce
Legal Definition of viva voce
: through speech : by word of mouth testify viva voce
Origin and Etymology of viva voce
Medieval Latin, literally, by living voice
Learn More about viva voce
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for viva voce
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