viva voce

adverb

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vi·va vo·ce | \ ˌvī-və-ˈvō-(ˌ)sē

or ˌvē-və-ˈvō-(ˌ)chā

Definition of viva voce

(Entry 1 of 3)

: by word of mouth : orally

viva voce

adjective

Definition of viva voce (Entry 2 of 3)

: expressed or conducted by means of speech : orally sense 1

viva voce

noun

Definition of viva voce (Entry 3 of 3)

: an examination conducted viva voce

— called also viva

Synonyms & Antonyms Did you know? Example Sentences Learn More About viva voce

Synonyms & Antonyms for viva voce

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

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).