viva voce

adverb

vi·va vo·ce | \ ˌvī-və-ˈvō-(ˌ)sē

How to pronounce viva voce (audio)

or ˌvē-və-ˈvō-(ˌ)chā

How to pronounce viva voce (audio)

\

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

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Synonyms & Antonyms for viva voce

Synonyms: Adjective

Antonyms: Adjective

paper,
written

Did You Know?

Adverb

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).

Examples of viva voce in a Sentence

Adjective the students are required to write two papers and take a viva voce examination

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Dictionary Entries near viva voce

vive la différence

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Cite this Entry

“Viva voce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viva%20voce. Accessed 13 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for viva voce

viva voce

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of viva voce

(Entry 1 of 2)

: spoken rather than written

viva voce

noun

English Language Learners Definition of viva voce (Entry 2 of 2)

British : an oral examination given at a British university

See the full definition for viva voce in the English Language Learners Dictionary

viva voce

adverb or adjective

vi·va vo·ce | \ ˌvī-və-ˈvō-sē, ˌvē-və-ˈvō-ˌchā \

Legal Definition of viva voce

: through speech : by word of mouth testify viva voce

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